At the end of the 19th century, string bands usually consisted of one or two violins, a bass, and occasionally a cello and the dulcimer.
In Appenzell, folk music became established among the middle classes in the 19th century. String music traditions such as ‘Brogermusik’ and the ‘Altfrentsch’ date back to the 18th century. In Appenzell in particular, but also in other parts of Switzerland, string music has survived to the present day.
But from about 1895 onward, the quintet formation became commonplace, which has since been called ‘Original Appenzeller Streichmusik’. Instrumentation: two violins, dulcimer, cello and string bass.
Appenzell string music experienced its heyday around 1900. Ensembles such as the ‘Quintett Appenzell’ profited from the emergence of tourism in health resorts and inns.
To this day, the tradition of Appenzell string music is carried on by violinists such as Noldi Alder and others.