Ladin is an ancient Romance language that is spoken in some regions of South Tyrol and Trentino. It is also the mother tongue of the composer and church musician Manuel Schuen who grew up in the Badia Valley of South Tyrol. The Ordinary text in Ladin gives this Mass a very special atmosphere and in combination with Schuen’s distinctly sensitive musical language which is orientated to the classical tradition, it also represents a great enrichment of the repertoire for non-Ladin speaking church choirs. The recording of the spoken Mass texts (free download here) will help in rehearsals.
“The Mëssa Ladina for choir a cappella is a great success overall. The concept, structure and implementation are excellent. The musical language is homogeneous, clear and pleasing without ever becoming banal. The technical aspects of the composition are impeccable as well. This Mass is a gift, not only for the choirs in our region.” (Uniun Ladins Val Badia – Association of the Ladins of Val Badia, comment of the competition jury for the award with the 1st prize)