Hit the high notes
with an alphorn
Switzerland
© Rigi Bahnen
It’s unwieldy, it’s impractical, it’s challenging but once you hit your first note, you’ll fall in love with the alphorn. Yes, you too can learn to play one of the world’s longest musical instruments, and you can do it against a suitably scenic backdrop. And at Cosa, we like to road test our experiences so that we can tell you first-hand what they’re like. That’s why one day a special visitor turned up at our Zurich office with a big bag slung over his shoulder…
The best way to experience this unique instrument at its fullest is in the mountains. We only have time for a short intermezzo on our rooftop terrace and decide to grace the Zurich lakeside visitors with our first attempts.
The first note is the hardest
The first note is the hardest
As our instructor assembles his alphorn, we learn that he started to play 15 years ago but only recently took the leap to pursue his passion full-time. He patiently shows us what we to do, then hands the mouthpiece to the first volunteer. What follows is the sound of silence (that was me!) then something like an elephant trumpeting. Some of us are naturals at coaxing a tune from the didgeridoo of the Alps. He assures us that with more time, every one of us would manage at least a recognisable tone.
A way to communicate
In the olden days alphorns were used to round up cows and calm them during milking. I highly doubt that any cows would have come to us had we been practising in the mountains. Since communication used to be the main function of the alphorn, it is more likely that a herdsman on a neighbouring alp would have tried to silence us from afar. By the way, the sound of an alphorn can carry up to six miles.
A living tradition
A living tradition
Over the years cheese production was moved down to the villages and the importance of the alphorn dwindled. Luckily, there were some people who helped keep this musical instrument alive and in the meantime it has become a symbol of Switzerland. Alphorn blowers are thriving in their homeland but also around the world.
Play it in the Alps
This iconic Swiss instrument should be enjoyed in its natural habitat, not least because that’s where the echo resounds the most. Location really is key and our alphorn expert has his unique spots in the mountains that are perfect for alphorn playing. I definitely need to try it out again and will someday venture to the alps to blow the alphorn surrounded by an amazing view. And if it doesn’t sound great, I will at least have some fantastic photos to share.
If your appetite has been whetted by this little taste of what to expect from an alphorn outing, then get in touch with us.
