Austria's hills alive -- with sound of yodeling

[August 20, 2012]  VIENNA (AP) -- In one part of Austria, the hills are again alive with a particular sound of music -- yodeling.

The Alpine country has inaugurated a new hiker's path where participants are invited to let loose with an occasional melodic mountain yell.

Organizers say it's push-button easy: at rest stops along the way, hikers press a knob and hear a recorded yodel in two-part harmony. They can also listen to each part separately and decide which one to try.

Local yodeler and hotel owner Christian Eder came up with the idea. He told state broadcaster ORF Monday that it is an attempt "to get people to loosen up a bit with a simple yodel."

[Associated Press]

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