Zurich music is an integral part of the art and culture of Switzerland. The forms of music in Zurich ranges from traditional, classical to contemporary band forms. Jazz music is popular in Zurich and can be heard in various venues of the city, including the bars and the clubs. The traditional music of Zurich are the lute instrumentals of the 16th century, which are now transformed into mixed instrumental arrangements. The folk songs by musicologist Hanny Christen are still prized possessions of the region. Traditional musical instruments of Zurich included hammered dulcimer, bagpipe, fife, rebec, hurdy-gurdy, cittern and shawm.
During the beginning of the 19th century, the musical performances comprised only instrumentals with very few duos, however in the 1830s, the Swiss military were responsible for the formation of brass bands that incorporated modern instruments in their performances. These instruments were made of brass or wind, which emerged from the village entertainment shows and were finally accepted in urban shows too. Local players played this particular form of dance music for festivals and the dance styles included mazurka, schottisch, waltz and polka.
Eventually, folk music in its modern form has been blended with various music styles and formed popular music forms like jazz and the foxtrot. The traditional saxophone was replaced by the clarinet. Laendler music became an integral part of Zurich music under the influence of German culture during the 1930s.
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Popular musical venues of Zurich
- Ca Ba Re at the AG Eichstrasse street of the city is a famous place to experience the live shows of contemporary music in Zurich.
- Casa Jazz Bar is the home to Jazz, Dixie music, blues in a unique style of New Orleans-style. The Casa Jazz Bar is one of the most authentic place to experience the music of Zurich.
- Widder Bar hosts weekly jazz nights on every Wednesday.
- Café Opus showcases a variety of musical entertainment performances, ranging from traditional Swiss forms to contemporary jazz.
- Champagnertreff offers live piano shows daily along with excellent dishes and drinks.
- Dynamo is a disco as well as jazz school, hosting live band performances.
- Abart is one of the most favorite choices of local and foreign bands.
- Rohstofflager is a celebrated venue for lively mix of DJs and live bands.
Zurich is home to several music schools like the Zurich Music College, Zurich Playhouse and Zurich Opera House. The Zurich Opera House Orchestra Academy is a very popular institution for the young musicians to get groomed into professionals. Zurich music has been a vital part of Zurich entertainment and many famous musicians have emerged from this Swiss city.
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