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Der Wiedergänger (The Phantom)

Musical collage of Entlebuch tales

For soloists (narrator, yodeller, Alpenbetruf singer), mixed choir, children's choir, symphony orchestra
Based on texts by Frieda Schnyder-Studer
Scenario Stefan Moser
Music Reto Stadelmann
Production Gregor Bucher

Premiered: 21 October 2000, Theatersaal Kollegium Stans


The Entlebuch legends are fascinating stories of death and the devil, apparitions and redemption. 'Der Wiedergänger' (The Phantom), a setting of four selected tales, tries to capture some of the mystical belief and traditions of a rural area that, as late as the 1980s, was considered as one of Switzerland's poorest.

The Enziloch legend tells about wild ghosts condemned to lug trunks up to the top of a ravine as an eternal punishment for their atrocities during their lifetime. Reaching the plateau the trunks fall down again, which is heard as horrible rumble.

The 'Sträggelejagd' is the hunting parade of a frightening creature on a wild boar during winter nights and Lent. Together with her daunting retinue she truly whistles through the air.

'Die Gabe des Jodelns' (the yodelling gift) is about diligent dwarves who make their own cheese from spilt milk that has not been cursed by farmers. As a reward for being exceptionally virtuous, one farmer is given the opportunity to choose between two musical gifts.

The nobleman from Ilmiboden once stole the best three head of cattle from the neighbour's barn. After his death in a horse riding accident, people began reporting occasional sightings of a mysterious person leading three cows. It is believed this person is the nobleman that has been waiting for redemption.