I'm out for my afternoon walk and the deep resonating sound of the Alphorn beckons me... I follow the sound to its source, two youngsters are practising in front of the Ridli Kapelle... I listen transfixed by the melodic tones...

For generations, shepherds and herders have sounded the alphorn from high up on the meadow to signal a comforting “all is well” to their families in the valley below. Primarily, though, they used it to call in their cows for milking.

Swiss dairymen have long believed that the sweet sound of the alphorn helps to keep cows quiet during milking. The Alphorn also served to announce news from one valley to another. It was used to warn of the arrival of an enemy, a fire or the occurrence of natural damage. Each 'type of news' corresponded to a particular sound. Like a sort of community radio, the alphorn can echo throughout a whole valley - its powerful sound can travel up to 10 kilometres from source.

"It may not seem handy​ - some alphorns are twice as tall as the men who play them. Nevertheless, it can be carried by hand" says one of the two youngsters after they finish playing their song.

I thank the two young men for giving me another glimpse of the Swiss Cultural Tradition "The Alphorn .. it belongs right there with the Fine Cheese and Chocolate" and continue my walk back home.