The original version of the Alphorn Mass was composed by Hermann Studer and contains a total of eight movements in the original. On behalf of the alphorn group "Echo vom Frohberg", (conductor: Guido Giacomuzzi) I composed suitable songs for mixed choir for five movements of the alphorn mass.
I based myself exactly on the melodies and motifs of the Alphorn version, so that at no point in this overall version is it noticeable that two different composers were at work.
The contemplative texts were written by the Lucerne dialect poet Lisbeth Arnold. Intentionally no liturgical texts were used. The language is also related to everyday life and the deep sense can be felt.
All verses refer to the combination of alphorn sound and singing as far as possible.
Performance practice:
The choice of tempo must depend on the individual songs and lyrics. Where the choir also has written entries for alphorn, only one alphorn per voice may be used. Sound equalization must be given the highest priority. The choir must not be covered by the sound of the alphorn at any point.
Emil Wallimann (2015)
