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Songs and Dances of Switzerland

Various Artists
Songs and Dances of Switzerland

Recorded by Laura Boulton in 1953, this compilation brings together an array of traditional Swiss music featuring "Folk Dances, village orchestras, yodeling, choruses, hackbrett, alpine horn and Bell-tree." The songs are recorded live and capture a fun spirit with occasional audience noises such as laughter or the stomping feet of the dancing performers that adds additional rhythmic depth to the songs. Especially interesting and beautiful is the mountain call, performed on the alpine horn to call in the cattle. Boutlon describes the horn playing as having to be in harmony with the mountain echo. Liner notes include an introduction to Swiss music by Laura Boulton along with song lyrics (in French, German and English) and photos.

Track Listing

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101
Yodeler, unaccompanied
00:44
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102
Vieux Pays Orchestra
01:19
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103
Chanson Valaisan
01:36
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104
Mixed chorus
02:05
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105
Mixed chorus with accordion accompaniment
02:02
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106
Mixed chorus
02:35
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107
Alpine herdsman with hackbrett accompaniment, Sion
01:30
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201
Alphorn player
01:51
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202
Fife player, drummer
01:03
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203
Vieux Pays Orchestra
01:03
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204
Vieux Pays Orchestra
02:16
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205
Vieux Pays Orchestra
01:56
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206
Vieux Pays Orchestra
02:03
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207
Vieux Pays Orchestra
02:17
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208
Alphorn player
01:25