flimsfestival: Heimweh

Switzerland, with its unique topography, history and cultural structure, provided fertile ground for the emergence of a phenomenon that was to gain significance far beyond its borders: pothopatridalgia, or more simply – homesickness, also known as "morbus helveticus" or "maladie suisse". The symptoms: fever, irregular heartbeat, weakness, stomach pain, melancholy. In some cases, the disease is even said to be fatal. Healing can only bring about a return to one's homeland, but music can at least be a medium of expression and coping with the phenomenon of homesickness. Simple folk songs addressed the longing for the distant homeland. Swiss music or simple cowbell ringing were attested to an almost magical power. Mercenaries were forbidden to listen to or sing music from their homeland for fear of desertion. And like all human emotions, homesickness was predestined to find its expression in art music. In Couperin's trio sonata "La Convalescente", the recovery of a woman is depicted, possibly after a journey to unknown or distant countries. In its concert programme, the ensemble Le Grand Trianon traces this fascinating phenomenon. Curtain up for music on a "Swiss" phenomenon: homesickness!