For much of its early history, the national musical tradition remains undocumented, with the result that many songs and former practices have been lost today. One of the oldest varieties of Swiss song documented by musicologist Hanny Christen is the agricultural song Kühreihen sung in the Lydian mode. Folk music and religious arrangements were the dominant genres until the 17th century, when other kinds of music slowly started to establish themselves.

Swiss music saw its first heyday in the 19th century. For the first time, the country made its name in the world of classical music, producing some excellent composers – most notably of all maybe one Arthur Honegger (1892-1955), who grew up in France of Swiss parentage and considered himself Swiss. Meanwhile, advances were also made in the genre of folk music. The 1830s saw the formation of brass bands, which played dance music at festivals or other celebrations using predominately wind and brass instruments. As they became hugely popular, new instruments were introduced to their repertoire, most notably of all, the accordion, an instrument from Vienna that was not only easy to play but also easy to acquire. String instruments such as violins and double basses followed at a later stage.

After WWI, music moved to the areas of highest population density, particularly Zurich, where the middle-class audiences showed a particular appreciation for rural folk music. Meanwhile, urbanisation exposed traditional Swiss music to strong foreign influences. As the established genres began to mix with different styles, such as jazz and foxtrot, the Swiss government stepped in and attempted to assure that the distinct national identity would not be lost. A style which was referred to as “Laendlermusik” (rural music performed in traditional costumes) was promoted and, indeed still exists today, with popular performers including Markus Flueckiger and Willi Valotti.

However, in Switzerland’s cities, there was a definite move away from traditionalism and towards modernism. Pop, rock and R&B took a hold on Switzerland following WWII, with Basel becoming the capital of Swiss rock and Zurich the center of musical innovation. Artists of the time include Les Faux-Frères, The 16 Strings, The Nightbirds from Locarno and The Wild Gentlemen.

Hard rock from the 1970s was followed by Swiss punk a decade later, with the main representatives Kleenex, TNT, Dieter Meier or Dogbodys being inspired by British and American exponents like the Sex Pistols. Just a few years later, the scene moved on to New Wave and techno, distinctive dialect trends revolutionised the music realm once again.

However, as rappers and DJs started to appear on the stage, Swiss folk music once again gave a strong sign of life, drawing international attention with the success of Stephan Eicher across Europe. Today, the Appenzell is the hub of traditional music.
On an international level, the most notable Swiss exports today come from a different music realm, however – Swiss rock, pop and performance art. René Baumann alias DJ Bobo and the Swiss rock band Gotthard have both claimed international fame. Successful hip-hop bands include Gleiszwei from Zurich. Generally, Switzerland remains a country with a strong appreciation for musical expression, hosting musicians of many different genres (from folk music to hip-hop to punk) as well as being a hot spot for festivals and performances – amongst these, for instance the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. For lovers of classical music, there is a full-size orchestra in every main city.