the first-ever secular male choir in 1810. Choirs spanning the social strata were a 19th-century innovation. Known in Europe as the “father of singing”, Nägeli was an influential teacher of music in German- and French-speaking Switzerland. “Many choirs still refer to him in their credits,” says Hauck. Originally from Brazil, Hauck has been living in the canton of Vaud since 2017. Why is she interested in such a previously neglected topic? “I was fascinated by choir music as a student in São Paulo,” she replies. Hauck has sung in choirs herself and recently conducted the Lausanne police male choir. She has found an effective way to communicate her findings, publishing the comic book “Three Swiss choristers in the 19th for choirs to come and go, says Hauck. As early as the 19th century, complaints about irregular rehearsal attendance appear in records, and choirs broke up due to dwindling numbers. But new choirs have sprung up ever since in a wide diversity of styles. Hauck: “Choral music is thriving in Switzerland and bringing generations together.” Political debate now plays less of a role, even if choirs continue to take a stand – on behalf Chorisma is a Schaffhausen choir in which young people hit the notes. Pictured above: a scene from the musical “Rent”. Photo: Jeannette Vogel, Schaffhauser Nachrichten The traditional Tell plays in Altdorf have relied on amateur actors and, in particular, amateur choirs since 1899. Archive photo: Keystone, 2004 of the queer community, on feminism, or as groups consisting of locals and asylum seekers. Choir organisation has changed significantly. Some choirs still meet one evening a week, but looser arrangements are now common. “Plenty of people want to sing, but not everyone wants to be tied to a specific choir,” says Anna-Barbara Winzeler of the SCV. Winzeler, who is studying music at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, conducts chorisma in Schaffhausen, a choir with singers aged between 18 and 35. She believes that young people will pass on the choir tradition. century” in collaboration with the cartoonist Julien Cachemaille. The book is available online in French and German. Between tradition and change The Berner Liedertafel remained a male choir until it disbanded in 2018 due to a lack of young singers. The Société de Chant de la Ville de Fribourg was discontinued in 2000. It is normal The comic book “Three Swiss choristers in the 19th century” communicates the results of Caiti Hauck’s study in French and German. It is available free of charge at www.clefni.unibe.ch. Listen to choirs We have put together some audio recordings of Swiss choral music. Visit www.revue.link/choirs Swiss Review / December 2025 / No.5 11
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