Erdlied / Wind / Donnerwetter

In collaboration with the Vokalensemble Chorosonor, the pieces Erdlied, Wind, and Donnerwetter were performed for the first time in Bern, Switzerland.
Through a deep investigation into vocal possibilities, various references to environmental sounds are made. Sounds of howling wind, raindrops, and sea waves allow for direct referencing, while other sonic textures leave more room for interpretation. Vocal mimicry of surrounding sounds has a long history in many vocal traditions. However, unlike traditional choral music, which centers on harmony, melody, and text, these compositions prioritize texture, timbre, and imitation. The choir becomes a conduit for experiencing the natural world in a human-mediated form, encouraging collective reflection on humanity’s place within the natural environment.

The traditional framework of Western choir music, with its conventional division into lower male and higher female voices, is reimagined through arrangements that create an immersive sound experience, incorporating performative elements. Abandoning traditional classifications opens the door to dense, layered textures and immersive soundscapes. The absence of clear stratification invites deeper engagement with the interplay of voices and encourages a reevaluation of cultural assumptions about gender, hierarchy, and the human voice itself.

For the three pieces, a text-based notation was developed to serve as a guide for the choir and conductor, enabling reinterpretation of the work without requiring the artist’s presence.