Aufhebung der Alpen & Streichmusik Edelweiss

Glacial sounds | Folk music | Zäuerli

This folk music concert has everything. Its basis is the traditional «Altfrentsche Besetzung» form of Appenzell strings, featuring violin, double bass and dulcimer. A second violin, double bass and percussion are then added, and this considerably expands the tonal potential of the typical Appenzell sounds, taking us off on a sound journey that makes us long for what we are already in the process of losing. The «Abolition of the Alps» in the title of the show refers to the melting of the glaciers.

The group, formed around Eastern Swiss violinist Matthias Lincke, has called on one of the oldest names in Appenzell music to perform with them at this concert. Traditional string ensemble Streichmusik Edelweiss is maintaining a musical expression that is unique throughout Europe, with more classical in it than any other form of folk music. The «Original Appenzeller Streichmusik Edelweiss», as they are known, were formed back in 1913 by Hans Rechsteiner (1893–1986) in Trogen. Musicians from all four corners of Appenzell have since gone on to influence their sound. Streichmusik Edelweiss lived on after the death of Rechsteiner in Herisau, and is to this day a regular and popular feature of concerts both large and informal.