In the new mass composition Missa Transalpin by Lorenz Maierhofer archaic singing condenses central words of the Christian faith in sound poetics: KYRIE, GLORIA, CREDO, SANCTUS, AGNUS, GRATIAS. Embedded in flowing vocalises and powerful alpine yodelling syllables, the Latin words become an impressive confession. Sounding syllables such as "Huldjo-e-ho", "He-a-he" or "Ham-du" underline the statements such as a "Hallelujah" or "Amen".
The soprano saxophone floats instrumentally above the choir, playing at a heavenly pitch. A drum (or Jews' harp) sets an earthy pulse in the depths. In this way, the extraordinary composition combines alpine ethno roots with jazzy elements to create a special contemporary choral music – TRANSALPIN, far beyond mountains and valleys.
The Missa transalpin can also be sung a cappella. Two speaking voices can deepen the message of the Mass parts with texts to the quiet intermediate parts.