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Yodeling
ABOVE: Follow the sound of yodeling to its
source, and there's a good chance that you'll find alphorn players and flag
throwing--in Switzerland, if not in Austria.
Yodeling is to the Alps what the Beach
Boys are to Southern California, or what hog calling is to the Ozarks. But what
exactly is yodeling? Compton's
Encylopedia describes the yodel as "a style of singing two alternating tones, a lower one with a full voice and a higher one with a lighter falsetto voice."
For a less academic description, we can turn to the classic "knock,
knock" joke:
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Little old lady."
"Little old lady who?"
"I didn't know you could yodel!"
Yodeling comes in different styles, from the undulating two-tone cries of
Swiss cowherds and goatherds to the soft, mellow choral yodels of Austrian and
Bavarian Adventsingen.
Nowadays, Swiss and Austrian yodeling is heard mainly in folklore festivals,
tourist restaurants, or sound recordings. The local yokels are too busy making
money off tourists to yodel from mountaintops. Someone has to take on the
responsibility for keeping outdoor yodeling alive, so why not do it yourself?
Learn about the history of yodeling, take an online course, listen to recorded
examples, memorize yodeling jokes, and try a "Yodel" drink recipe by using the links on the next two
pages. By the time you visit Switzerland or Austria, you'll be ready to impress
the natives with your yodeling knowledge and ability.
Next Page >
Yodeling info, lessons > Page
1, 2, 3
Photo copyright © Switzerland Tourism. Used by permission.
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