The ranz des vaches was a melody sung or played on alphorns (Alpenhorns) by Swiss shepherds to call their herds of cows to pasture. Originating in Appenzell, the practice spread throughout Switzerland, with numerous similar melodies composed to exploit the capabilities of the natural horn. We also find examples of this in classical music, the most famous of which are those composed by Rossini to add a touch of local color to Guillaume Tell.