Music love story: Peter Roth and the Alt St. Johann church choir

Music love story: Peter Roth and the Alt St. Johann church choir

Music is a universal language that connects us - especially in the picturesque regions of Toggenburg, where the sounds of nature and the traditions of yodeling are firmly rooted. An outstanding player in this musical world is Peter Roth, born in 1944. He led the Alt St. Johann church choir for 39 years and expressed his great passion for local music. According to a report by kath.ch, the long-term collaboration between Roth and the choir served not only for musical development, but also as a faithful “love story” characterized by mutual enthusiasm.

Roth, who is also the initiator of the Klangwelt Toggenburg, recently opened a new chapter in musical culture with the Klanghaus am Schwendisee. He has always developed his compositions specifically for the choir's sound body, focusing on the outstanding yodeling voices, both male and female. “Like a tailor, I was able to compose the music tailor-made for the church choir,” says Roth, describing his working method in a podcast entitled “Laut + Leis”.

The influence of alpine culture

Particularly noteworthy is Roth's connection to Alpine culture, which he takes up in his musical work. This old, cooperative and semi-nomadic culture has a significant influence on Toggenburg's musical tradition. In his compositions he experiments with natural sounds, overtones and yodeling and combines these with contemporary elements. This creates works that create deep cultural connections and take listeners on a journey into the alpine sound world. His best-known composition “Toggenburg Passion” shows his handling of religious themes and is appreciated by many.

However, Roth is not just limited to the church choir. As choir director of the St. Gallen Project, he has been organizing concerts that present music from different times and styles for around 20 years. Many of these concerts are very popular and bring a breath of fresh air into the regional music culture.

Tradition and modernity in Toggenburg

In Toggenburg, as well as in the neighboring Appenzellerland, there is a lively tradition of folk music. The old singing form of natural yodeling is widely practiced there. In the region, soloists and ensembles practice this art of singing and thus contribute to the preservation of musical traditions. This singing art, also known as “johle”, is often accompanied by thaler wings. The dynamic sounds of these ancient songs harmonize perfectly with the melodies interpreted with string and wind instruments.

The history and tradition of yodeling and instrumental folk music is documented and preserved in Roothus Gonten. Festivals like “Alpstobede” offer a platform to keep traditional sounds and dances alive. This event has become increasingly important again in recent years and attracts numerous guests.

With an always open ear for traditions and a creative spirit, Peter Roth drives musical development in Toggenburg. He has established himself as a pioneer of the local cultural scene both in his own compositions and in directing the church choir and supporting regional music projects.

For further information about Peter Roth and his musical projects, please visit the website kath.ch, Doron Prize and living-traditions.ch.