Echoes of Home (Heimatklange) (2007) DVD

Yodeling – the proverbial singing style of Tarzan and drunks atop Central London bus stop roofs at 4am. Unbeknownst to most, yodeling has a rich history and tradition in the Swiss and Austrian alps. This intriguing documentary by Stefan Schwietert documents a group of singers and musicians who represent a new wave in Alpine vocality which combines local and foreign influences.

It’s a huge benefit to Schwietert that the Swiss mountains and landscape is such a big part of yodeling as if it wasn’t for the stunning and picturesque imagery it wouldn’t be a very visually interesting film. Meanwhile, the singers featured all talk about the style with passion and vigour whilst dropping some interesting anecdotes about what it means and how they achieve that distinctive sound. Hugely important and popular still in it’s homeland, people take lessons and attend concerts for the times when they don’t just drop into random bars.

As interesting as it is to hear about yodeling, it does struggle to hold the attention and although it may change people’s perceptions, anyone without even the slightest interest will be hard pressed to last the 82 minute running time.

Limara Salt