Passage from memorial mass for Mahler? (4)

I believe the answer is:

alma

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'mahler?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'passage from memorial mass' is the wordplay.
'ALMA' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for alma that I've seen before include "Loving girl" , "One's university" , "Essence" , "Woman" , "Battle of the -- was in the Crimean War" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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