Advent, Day 15

[kyburg]

Brand X decided to ignore some electronic requests we made of them last night - hence, I'm up early.

Yay me.

Konrad Plaickner (with Orchestra & Choir) - Christmas Yodler

Okay, get brave and click that one. Seriously. It's not very long, and it'll be the last thing you expect.

When I was in Switzerland in 1991-92, I got a good chance to find out what yodel really is intended to do - and in my opinion, is another permutation of what I call "arts developed by people who live in REALLY deep valleys and have REALLY long winters."

The music doesn't hurry. This is a musical form that actually takes in account the echoes that bounce back and incorporates it as counterpoint. Yodel done traditionally has some of the longest notes held in harmony I've ever heard.

This is just a taste.

Food? Well - there's nothing like something ethnic to go with something ethnic, yes?

Swiss recipes from About.com

See you tomorrow!

Comments

[elfwench.livejournal.com]

Wow! I really liked that! It was very peaceful to listen to.

[kip-w.livejournal.com]

I noticed the other day that I have some jazz alphorn samples on some Swiss radio disks upstairs. I haven't acted on this knowledge yet.

[beeform]

Hi! I'm just passing through via the "friends of friends" page (I think we've got dawnmipb in common).

Just wanted to say that that audio link was incredible. I had no idea that yodeling could be so lovely. Thanks for sharing!

[nagasvoice.livejournal.com]

The music is really nice, and nothing whatever like any yodeling I've ever heard before. It makes sense! Reminds me of what I've heard of Mongolian Tuvan throat-singing, which is also about communicating over vast distances and developed in ways particular to the terrain.

[shirasade]

This makes me feel very patriotic, although I've yet to hear any yodling live. *g*