Guggenmusik

Guggenmusik (also known as "Guggemoseg", "Guuggemusig" or "Chatzemusig") is a term widely used in the Alemannic region of Switzerland, Austria and southern Germany to designate both a Carnival marching band and the type of music it plays.

Guggenmusik is played during Fasnacht, the Swabian-Alemannic carnival season (Swabian–Alemannic Fastnacht), which is celebrated in various localities as the Basler Fasnacht, Luzerner Fasnacht, Eis-zwei-Geissebei in Rapperswil, and many other terms. The most common explanation of the word "Gugge" is that it may derive from the Alemannic "Sack/Tüte", meaning "bag". Other unsourced explanations include the word used for a small children's trumpet, a (Swiss German) word for "scream", or the cuckoo's call. A "Guggemusik" band thus refers to a group of people playing loud music and typically wearing costumes and masks in a uniform style.

It is a strongly rhythmic music of distinctive style played with brass instruments, pipes and drums. Although melodies remain clearly recognizable, they are at times played "off-key", intentionally and often quite skillfully. Driven by a dominant rhythm section, the music sounds twisted and thrilling, very danceable and perfect for spontaneous street concerts during the "wild days" of Carnival. Today there are many types of Guggenmusik to inspire carnival celebrants. Bands usually play well-known pop songs but also folk tunes and children's music.

It is hard to arrive at a universal definition of Guggenmusik, as various regions have their own carnival traditions. Besides the traditional brass instruments like trumpet, tuba, trombone, and/or sousaphone as well as drums, today almost any other "loud" instrument may be in use: steel drum, bagpipe, piccolo, clarinet, saxophone, etc.

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