Sophie Rüth, a 23-year-old musician, has embarked on a unique and captivating journey, filling the city of Saarbrücken with the soaring melodies of her trumpet. Her stage is not a traditional concert hall, but rather the dizzying height of a church tower, approximately 70 meters above the bustling city center. The notes she plays drift through the air, catching the attention of passersby who pause, look upwards, and listen to the chorales emanating from the tower of the Basilica St. Johann. Rüth holds the distinction of being the Saarland’s first ever "Türmerin," a female tower watchperson, reviving a historical role with a modern musical twist.
"It’s a very special feeling for me to play from the tower," explains the trumpeter, who hails from a village near Amberg in Bavaria. "It sounds so free. And it’s the first time for me that I’m not playing against walls, where the sound breaks and comes back." Her words reflect the liberating experience of performing in such an open and expansive space, where the music can truly resonate and reach a wider audience.
Rüth’s appointment as Türmerin came about through a competition organized by the Musikfestspiele Saar, a music festival held annually in the Saarland region. Winning this prestigious role has granted her the opportunity to perform from various church towers in Saarbrücken and other towns throughout the region in the coming weeks, bringing her music to diverse communities.
The concept of a "Türmer" dates back to the Middle Ages. These individuals served as watchmen, stationed atop high towers, tasked with protecting the city’s inhabitants from potential dangers such as approaching enemies or outbreaks of fire. They typically used hunting horns or fanfares to sound the alarm and alert the citizens. The practice of playing chorales from the tower emerged later, during the Reformation, evolving into a form of public proclamation or sermon, its message carried across the rooftops to reach the people.
For Rüth, who has been studying the trumpet at the Hochschule für Musik Saar in Saarbrücken for the past four years, her role represents a re-interpretation of this ancient tradition. "With the music, I want to reach as many people as possible. You have a great reach because everyone walking around in the city has access." She sees her performances as offering a beautiful experience and a piece of culture to everyone who hears them, regardless of their background or prior exposure to classical music.
Bernhard Leonardy, the Artistic Director of the Musikfestspiele Saar, emphasizes the unifying power of Rüth’s music. "Music is in the air," he states, capturing the essence of her performances. The aim of her trumpet playing from church towers in different directions is to inspire a desire for more culture and awareness of the festival weeks, which run from May 7th to June 29th under the theme "Unity, Diversity and Freedom" in the Saarland. The festival program boasts around 30 major concerts, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
Leonardy further highlights that Rüth’s trumpet playing symbolizes the borderless nature of music. "When she blows loudly and the wind is right, you can hear her all the way to France." He underscores the festival’s intention to bring people together "for something beautiful." "It is very important in today’s time to send out positive signals." In a world often characterized by division and conflict, the Musikfestspiele Saar seeks to foster connection and understanding through the universal language of music.
The ascent to Rüth’s lofty stage atop the Basilica St. Johann is not for the faint of heart. It involves navigating a steep wooden staircase that gradually narrows as it winds upwards. Reaching the top requires climbing through a window before Rüth can unpack her trumpet and begin her performance. She recalls being surprised by the large crowd that gathered for her inaugural performance. "I played for an hour and a half straight," she says with a laugh, demonstrating her dedication and passion for her craft.
When asked what captivates her about the trumpet, Rüth explains, "I think the trumpet is quite close to the human voice, at least the female voice in terms of range." She describes playing the trumpet as "like singing," allowing her to channel her emotions and express herself fully. "I can put my whole feeling into it and express myself really well."
Rüth’s musical journey began at the age of seven. "Actually, I wanted to learn the clarinet, but the teacher had no more space." She recounts the process of elimination that led her to the trumpet. She was deemed too small for the tuba and her arms were too short for the trombone. "That only left the trumpet." However, it did not take long for her to realize, "This is my instrument." She has since won several awards and is a permanent member of several ensembles, including the Bergkapelle Saar, demonstrating her commitment to musical excellence.
While Rüth is the first Türmerin in the Saarland, the tradition of tower watchmen and musicians is upheld in other cities throughout Germany. In Münster, Martje Thalmann has been blowing her horn from the tower of the Lambertikirche since the beginning of 2014. In Hamburg, tower musicians play chorales daily from the tower of St. Michaelis Church in all four cardinal directions. And in Bad Wimpfen in Baden-Württemberg, the Blue Tower even boasts a dedicated tower watchperson’s apartment. These examples highlight the enduring appeal and cultural significance of this historical practice.
Looking ahead, the Musikfestspiele Saar hopes to continue the Türmer tradition in the Saarland. "I have the impression that it is expandable," says Leonardy. He envisions the Türmer position continuing next year. "I am very convinced that we will do it again." The success of Rüth’s performances and the positive response from the community suggest that this unique blend of history and music has the potential to become a cherished tradition in the Saarland for years to come, filling the air with beauty and bringing people together through the power of music.
