Echo vom Schattenhalb

There was once a man from the Muotatal named Alois Suter, «dr Lisäbetler» (1861–1950), who is said today to have been the first to bring a peg-bass örgeli made by the Alois Eichhorn workshop in nearby Schwyz into the Muotatal. He can hardly have realised that in doing so he was – unintentionally, no doubt – laying the foundation for a unique way of playing traditional Schwyzerörgeli music. Later came Muotathal musicians such as Georg Anton Langenegger, «ds Eggbaschä Jörätoni», Alois Betschart «ds Pitschä Wysel», Anton Betschart «ds Jakä Tönl» and the nationally known Rees Gwerder, «ds Eigälers Rees». On what was then still a young instrument they cultivated a music played nowhere but in the Muotatal.

Much as with the Muotathal Naturjuuz, only a few musicians are left who preserve this archaic, angular and sprightly way of playing. Muotathal Schwyzerörgeli music is therefore a universe of its own: angular in sound, yet round and full of life in the short pieces, which are played with a very particular «Zwick».

Characteristic features such as unusual changes of metre and an intonation that is at once raw and refined are the hallmark of «Echo vom Schattenhalb». Combined with great musicianship, a deep attachment to tradition and respect for the old performers, the result is an unmistakable sound.

From time to time Bernhard Betschart joins the duo «Echo vom Schattenhalb» as a double bass player, adding to the formation with his Büchel playing and his characteristic Naturjuuz. In doing so he helps to make the programme both entertaining and varied.

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