From the rather limited musical and melodic scope of popular standards, jazz in its evolution has also progressed towards more ambitious and more individual compositions of its own.

Quite frequently native sources of folk music are used as an inspiration by jazz composers. This programme offers three interesting attempts at creating musical images of Switzerland through the idiom of jazz.

Musical content

1. Traditional band: Niene geits so schön und lustig
(Traditional Folksong)
2. Heinz Bigler Quartet: Niene geits so schön und lustig
(Traditional Folksong, arr. H. Bigler)
Soundtrack from the "Emmental Film" by Bernhard Luginbühl
3. Jazz Group of Radio Geneva (feat. Benny Bailey, trumpet): Swiss Blue
(John Lewis)
4. George Gruntz Ensemble: Retraite céleste
(G. Gruntz)

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 50. The Swiss Jazz Scene. Swiss Themes in Jazz. Produced 1973 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. "Musica Helvetica" explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.

In compliance with the JTI standards

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