Hanottere - ein kommentiertes Konzert

And now some music from the Ämmetau region—from the Chräche in the background and the Höger in the foreground.

Lorenz Mühlemann: chord zither, violin zither, hammered dulcimer, dulcimer, concertina, guitar, tenor horn

Thomas Keller: Hanottere, Häxeschit, Muörgeli, contraguitar, accordion

The duo HANOTTERE performs a narrated concert with a program announced on the spot. A musical declaration of love for a cheerful instrument with a silvery, brilliant sound—the Emmental neck zither, which had been forgotten for decades. Formerly known as the Hanottere, it appears as early as in Gotthelf’s novels and was the fashionable instrument of the rural population in the early 19th century. The HANOTTERE ensemble is thoroughly dusting off the Hanottere. We play folk music from the Alpine region and beyond, blending the old, the new, and our own compositions—ranging from delicate and contemplative to cheerful and pulsating. Our repertoire features distinctive melodies from ancient sheet music (Oberthal, ca. 1830) as well as compositions by Lorenz Mühlemann and freely invented musical tales such as the “Carneval de Sumiswald,” which, performed in the spirit of improvisation, constantly take on new twists and hues. And there’s more music from the Ämmitau region, from the farthest reaches of the valleys to the highest peaks.

Lorenz Mühlemann opened Switzerland’s only museum dedicated to the zither in 1999 and is the author of four reference books and more than 20 recordings. Since 2003, the Swiss Zither Cultural Center has been located in the premises of the Amtsschaffnerei in Trachselwald, built in 1614. Its operations go far beyond those of a traditional museum; with its additional offerings—such as a music school, workshop, specialty shop, archive, sheet music publisher, and concert agency—it serves as the national hub for all things zither. With its lively course program, guided concerts, and diverse public outreach efforts, it has been known for more than 25 years as the innovator of zither music and culture in Switzerland.

For more information: www.zither.ch

Thomas Keller has been interested in folk music for decades and has taught himself to play various instruments. Thomas doesn’t read sheet music, but he listens closely, quickly picks up the tune, and plays along effortlessly; he is a veteran of the folk music scene and a gifted Hanötteler (player of the Emmental neck zither). He first gained recognition through Bernese dance music and later with groups such as Hiesix, Eigets, Neoländler, and HANOTTERE

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