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yodeling

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Also known as jodeling, yodelling

Yodeling (also jodeling or yodelling) is a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch between the low-pitch chest register (or "chest voice") and the high-pitch head register or falsetto. The English word yodel is derived from the German word jodeln, meaning "to utter the syllable jo" (pronounced "yo"). This vocal technique is used in many cultures worldwide. Recent scientific research concerning yodeling and non-Western cultures suggests that music and speech may have evolved from a common prosodic precursor.

Key facts

Music genre.name
Yodeling
Music genre.image
Swiss yodelers.jpg
Music genre.caption
New Glarus, Wisconsin, yodelers in traditional Swiss garb (1922)
Music genre.stylistic_origins
Volksmusik
Music genre.instruments
Human voice
Intangible heritage.Name
Yodeling
Intangible heritage.Country
Switzerland
Intangible heritage.ID
02287
Intangible heritage.Region
ENA
Intangible heritage.Year
2025
Intangible heritage.Session
20th
Intangible heritage.List
Representative

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Wikidata facts

Image
Aumüli Jungjodelchörli.JPG
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Commons category
Yodeling
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~45 min read

Article

21 sections
Contents
  • History of Alpine yodeling
  • Yodeling around the world
  • Technique
  • Yodeling in the United States
  • Performers
  • Early recordings
  • Jimmie Rodgers
  • Cowboy yodelers
  • Cowgirl yodelers
  • "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
  • The Tarzan yell
  • Radio
  • Notable performers
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Outside Europe and North America
  • See also
  • References
  • Further reading
  • External links

Yodeling (also jodeling or yodelling) is a form of singing which involves repeated and rapid changes of pitch between the low-pitch chest register (or "chest voice") and the high-pitch head register or falsetto. The English word yodel is derived from the German word jodeln, meaning "to utter the syllable jo" (pronounced "yo"). This vocal technique is used in many cultures worldwide. Recent scientific research concerning yodeling and non-Western cultures suggests that music and speech may have evolved from a common prosodic precursor.

Alpine yodeling was a longtime rural tradition in Europe, and became popular in the 1830s as entertainment in theaters and music halls. In Europe, yodeling is still a major feature of folk music (Volksmusik) from Switzerland, Austria, Southern Germany, the Eastern French regions of Alsace and Savoy and the Northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and can be heard in many contemporary folk songs, which are also featured on regular TV broadcasts.

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