Ranz des vaches

(Fr.; Ger. Kuhreigen). One of the airs sung or played on the ALPINE HORN in the Swiss Alps as a call to cattle. The tune itself is marked by an asymmetrical rhythm. It appears to lean towards the Lydian MODE, with the characteristic augmented fourth as the key melodic INTERVAL. A version of the ranz des vaches appears in print in the 1546 Bicinia gallica of Georg Rhau.

The ranz des vaches is also supposed to have magic and curative qualities. It is often combined with religious melodies.