What is a Zither?
The zither belongs to a family of musical
instruments whose history goes back to ancient times. The
contemporary zither of 36-38 strings was developed during the
19th century in Austria and Bavaria. It became a very
popular folk instrument, imparting a delightful light texture
to alpine folk songs and dances. It is still a favorite
means of solo music making at home, and is also played in
harmony with other instruments of the human voice. The
movie “The Third Man” helped familiarize the world
with the lyrical and the rhythmic sound qualitites of the
instrument.
Who is Toni
Noichl?
Toni Noichl and his zither.
Toni Noichl was born in Munich, Bavaria.
He studied music in this old center, steeped in the
traditions of both classical and folk music, and became an
accomplished performer. Since his arrival in the United
States in 1961, he has played and recorded with the Boston Pops
under Arthur FIedler in both Boston and Tanglewood. He
also performed and recorded with the Philadelphia Orchestra
conducted by Ormandy, and the New York Philharmonic under
Bernstein. He also played in the New York City
Ballet’s production of “Viennese Waltzes.”
His nimble fingers and delightful music have charmed
listeners at numerous folk festivals as well.
Take a peek at Toni’s recordings:
(available on cassette only)