Fränzlimusik from Grisons is named after the violinist Fränzli Waser. He was born in Tschlin as the son of Yenish farmers and was blind from birth. He is said to have received his training as a violinist in Milan. After his return to Switzerland, he founded a music group with members of his family and cultivated a very distinctive style. It was called Swiss Ländler’ and is still known today as ‘Fränzli-Musig’.
Waser’s ensemble played for more than just spa guests. For 10 Swiss francs per night, they entertained the coachmen and wagon drivers in St. Moritz-Bad. This was a considerable amount of money at the time.
Waser died at only 37-years-old from complications arising from being hit by a horse’s hoof.