The Ascension Symphony - An Orchestral Odyssey in 4 Movements -
takes you on an immersive voyage through the tumultuous yet transformative experiences of a profound journey.

Ascension Symphony - An Orchestral Odyssey in 4 Movements

Welcome to my most personal and intensive work: The Pandemic Symphony, a four movement composition for choir and orchestra.

1. Movement - Demise
2. Movement - Memories of Retreat
3. Movement - Spell of Nature
4. Movement - We Will Rise Again

Originally, this Symphony - even though it took me almost one year to complete - was never supposed for any audience or publication. This composition has been shaped by solitude and retreat, meant only for the ears of my family and close friends.

The music has lived in silence for many years, buried in thousands of notes, tucked away in a shelf - untouched, unheard: a secret whispered to the void. Followed by years of hesitation to touch the piece, treading carefully to avoid reviving old burdens and memories best left undisturbed.

In 2025, after tender revision and newfound courage, with gentle resolve and readiness to open forgotten boxes once more, I decided to let the music emerge from the shadows.

Still being a very private reflection about life, death, the end and a new begin, I see it now as an invitation to feel, to carry the weight of a journey. This composition is a testament to the willingness for confronting the past and transforming it into somehing both shared and maybe valued.

1. Movement - Demise:
The first movement portrays a gradual descent, culminating in absolute despair.
After a brief, enigmatic introduction, the piece unfolds episodes of carefree and jubilant dancing, intertwined with moments of social revelry.
But with a hauntingly oppressive cry for help, desperate yet futile calls, the work plunges deeper into despair, culminating in utter dissolution. 
The instruments, scattered across the vast sonic landscape, attempt to connect, yet fail.
The first movement concludes in profound hopelessness, with a fragile lament fading away through descending semitones, drained of all strength.

2. Movement - Memories of Retreat:
The second movement conveys a total retreat, evoking memories of everything lost during the pandemic: the closeness of family, the warmth of friendship, the wealth of cultural life.
Following an introduction reminiscent of ancient Baroque music, deeply emotional solo voices for bassoon, trumpet, clarinett, Saxophone, violin and piano weave one by one a tapestry of romances.
The piece concludes in an almost harmonious resolution, featuring a spirited toccata for violin and piano.

3. Movement - Spell of Nature:
The third movement depicts a refuge into the purity of nature. At times, the call of the mountains resonates; at others, the vastness of the ocean unfolds. 
It captures the morning prayer at sunrise, and later, the serenity of a star-studded night sky. 
This movement stands as a tribute to the healing power of nature.

4. Movement - We Will Rise Again:
The fourth movement presents a profound meditation, a heartfelt prayer for resurrection. 
At its core lies the timeless German hymn "Jesu ist erstanden" (Jesus is risen), invoking the healing promise of Christian faith: 
just as our Savior once rose, so too shall humanity rise anew. 
The hymn is freely interpreted in this composition, transitioning into a powerful finale for choir and orchestra. This climactic ending culminates in a somber minor chord, casting a shadow of poignant finality over the work, leaving behind an enduring resonance of strength and renewal.

Pandemic Symphony

If emotions go beyond what words can express, 
indulge in a sweet orchestral work about romance of love. 
Let the soaring strings, wind instruments and brass notes whisk you away to a world of romance and passion. This song celebrates the beauty and depth of true love, a tribute to the magical connection shared by two hearts beating as one.

Romance for Lovers

Romance For Lovers

"War does not determine who is right, only who is left" - Bertrand Russel.

This 4-movement orchestral work (Symphony No.3, Symphony of War and Peace) was my best teacher of how life and its twists conduct musical sensibilities and creation.

Originally, this Symphony was intended as a spring work in the year 2022. 
Inspired by the lovely stay in South Tyrol, warmed by the sun and energized by the beautiful surroundings, the first movement begins with joyful brass fanfares.

Sadly, already in the making of the first bars, the Russian War has broken out. Therefore the first movement is dominated by fear and anguish and stormy outbursts, which rebel again and again and collapse repeatedly right after.

The English Horn has a special role in this symphony. This time it symbolizes not romantic love, but the longing for peace and harmony.
Several times it joins the strings in a lovely hymn of praise to the pureness of life.

The second movement mourns the loss caused by the outbreak of war: the immense loss of confidence, security, and all the people expelled, silenced, or crushed by war.
The English Horn blows several times for hope, and the music always turns from minor to major as a result. The lonely violin sings its mournful tune to life.
All this is silenced in the finale. All is in despair.

The third movement ventures (in vain) into lightness. Set in a relaxed 3/4 time, there are several touches of dance and celebration, but they never really flow due to repeated changes in the tempo and the harmony.
The movement ends, as the previous movement does, in melancholy. The supposed Waltz dissipates into lamenting the lost joy of life.

The fourth movement contrasts war and peace. Therefore, the music alternates several times between absolute tranquility and relaxation and to the eruption of violent musical phrases.
After a massive opening and a extended silent sequence, the war battles take over - one by one - all the instruments. The music erupts literally into chaos. Killing any harmony and beauty. 
What remains is an abandoned set of deep string instruments.
After a reprise of the 4th movement opening, the flute sings a lonely peace melody. (I re-used this part in my Ode to Mother's Love: Your Love Beneath my Wings)
Gradually the other instruments join in, the woodwind, the strings, and finally the brass and the percussion. Together they sing the lovely melody of peace.
Instead of ending this thoughtful Symphony with a loud fanfare, the strings quietly conclude with restrained modesty, intoning the peace motif one last time, reminiscent that peace will prevail. 

Thank you for listening !

Symphony of War and Peace - IV. War and Peace

Welcome to this small Flute Concerto in F-Major 
- 2nd Movement: Exuberant.
Dedicated to a flute playing friend in Austria.

Flute Concerto in F major

Flute Concerto in F major - 2. Excuberant

Concerto for Flute and Orchestra - 2. Exuberant

Welcome to this brief dance, set with classcial instruments, adding some drums and giving it it some Latin American touch.
With its 3-3-2 beat, its vibes are little uncommon for traditional Western ears, making the impression of bouncing bars.

Maybe you look it.

This piece is the exuberant 3rd movement of my 2nd Symphony, which I have created during the Pandemic Lockdown. (I need to rework major parts of this Symphony, therefore will publishing it at a later time.)

Bouncy Ballad

How to cope with a grave personal loss ?
This concert tells the stirring story.

First, you go through pain and despair. Then follows a rebellion and call for encouragement, repeatedly interrupted by flashbacks and sweet but painful memories.
In the finale, you accept the new reality and you move boldly to new horizons.

The 1st movement "Keys of Letting Go" begins with deep sadness, melancholy and dejection.
Slowly, note by note, chord by chord, the piano rises from the vast valley of sadness.
It throws itself into a wild dialogue with the orchestra. Angry interjections interrupt the flow several times, but the piano and orchestra always manage to pick up harmonic motives.
The movement ends powerfully, but in a minor key.

Keys for New Horizons

Keys for New Horizons - 1. Letting Go

Keys for New Horizons - 1. Keys of Letting Go

How to cope with a grave personal loss ?
This concert tells the stirring story.

First, you go through pain and despair. Then follows a rebellion and call for encouragement, repeatedly interrupted by flashbacks and sweet but painful memories.
In the finale, you accept the new reality and you move boldly to new horizons.

This 2nd movement "Keys on Tender Memories" is a declaration of love, reminiscent of events long past.
The piano opens the movement all by itself with a simple motif. The orchestra joins in smoothly.
Although the movement changes direction several times with subtle disharmonies and abrupt key changes, the character of a love song is largely preserved.
The piece develops into an increasingly dense love song. 
It ends sweetly, almost operetta-like. While the orchestra leads the love motif to its conclusion, the piano strays absentmindedly into secondary motifs. It no longer takes part in the conclusion. 
At the final chord, the piano is silent. 
The past cannot be retrieved. One must let it go.

Keys for New Horizons - 2. Tender Memories

Keys for New Horizons - 2. Keys on Tender Memories

When the sun is fading, hiding behind the leaves, 
the nature loses its fresh strength,
all colorful beauty takes a last breath.
This is the magic of fall !

A Piano and Symphonic Orchestra set this to sound in G-major:
Starting with Melancholy, as the lonely piano introduces the farewell,
continuing with exuberant joy, as the leaves swirl through the autumn air one last time.
Cevouring Strings carry the autumn up, into the far distance.
Finally the fall gives space to winter, presented by brass instruments. Like fanfares, they blow their expectations into the wideness of space.
The music closes with a fierce repetition of the initial melody, 
all wishes and promises are now directed to the long cold winter.

Sound of Fall

In the Solemn Embrace of Music,
transcending Words,
weaving a World of Reflections,
a Timeless Tribute 
to Those We Hold in Our Hearts.
 
Welcome to my REQUIEM for Choir and Orchestra !

It consists of 7 parts each with a unique perspective on life, death and eternity.

As I cannot put the inconceivable message into proper words, 
the music stands on itself, the choir does not sing any text.
It's only sound and vibes, that speak the universal language of faith, love, fear, life, death and eternity.

The components of the requiem are based on Christian tradition:
1. Introitus: expresses the inconceivable. The gate from this world to the next, connected with all fears, but also hope.
2. Kyrie eleison: the petition, the plea for mercy, combined with the trust that all will be well.
3. Dies Irae: the fear of the devine wrath. Facing judgment of separation between good and evil.
4. Offertorium: the laying ready of all the gifts, with the petition that God may give his blessing for all of us.
5. Sanctus: the admiration, the sanctification of the divine power to turn everything to good.
6. Agnus Dei: the gratitude that God gives everything. According to the Christian faith, he even gives his most precious, His Son, as a sacrifice to save humanity.
7. Lux Aeterna: the fear of death gives way to confidence for eternal life. The music slowly, smoothly disappears into endless space and time. But the light remains for ever. Lux Aeterna !

Requiem 1. Introitus

Requiem 4. Offertorium

Feel the gentle rays,
feel the powerful brilliance,
feel the warm energy,
feel the Sunshine !

A sensitive classical-style declaration of love to our sun !

Sunshine

An orchestral fantasy about the German Christmas Carol "O Tannenbaum".

O Tannenbaum

Orchestral Fantasy about the famous Christmas Carol : Tochter Zion (Zion's Daughter).
Tributes to the great adored, barock composer G.F. Händel, who owes the original melody.

Tochter Zion

A scenario of deepest affection and prayer.
This is an extract from my next Ascension Symphony.

Affection: Excerpt#9 from Ascension Symphony

Ascension Symphony: An Orchestral Odyssey in 4 Movements.

The 1st movement "Path of Destiny" begins with marching melodies 
and proceeds with haunting harmonies, evoking the tangled paths and painful losses encountered along the way. 
With turbulent brass and strings and mournful melodies, 
the music navigates through the labyrinth of adversity, 
while the dreamy motifs symbolize the eternal hope that guides the traveler through the darkest of times.

For listening to the other 3 movements, refer to the related album of the "Ascension Symphony".

Ascension Symphony - 1. Movement: Path of Destiny

Ascension Symphony: An Orchestral Odyssey in 4 Movements.
2. Movement: Celestial Dream

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the traveler finds solace in a moment of profound introspection and prayer. 
Tender and celestial strings intertwine, offering a heartfelt plea for guidance and divine intervention. 
In this tranquil oasis of serenity, the music reflects the profound power of faith and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit.

For listening to the other 3 movements, refer to the related album of the "Ascension Symphony".

Ascension Symphony

Celestial Dream

Ascension Symphony - 2. Movement : Celestial Dream

Ascension Symphony: An Orchestral Odyssey in 4 Movements.
3. Movement: Breezy Ballet

In this part, the music evolves into a frenzy of lite dance and jubilant celebration. 
Infectious rhythms and exuberant melodies sweep listeners into a whirlwind of joy and harmony, 
as the traveler embraces the vibrant tapestry of life and revels in the sheer exhilaration of existence. 
With every beat, the orchestra pulses with the energy of liberation and liberation, inviting all to join in the jubilant festivities.

For listening to the other 3 movements, refer to the related album of the "Ascension Symphony".

Ascension Symphony - 3. Movement: Breezy Ballet

Ascension Symphony: An Orchestral Odyssey in 4 Movements.
4. Movement: Summit of Gratitude

After fighting through irritating rhythms, harmonies and emotions, episodes of romance and love,in a triumphant finale, the music soars to majestic heights of triumph and transformation. 
With resounding fanfares and triumphant melodies, the orchestra heralds the triumphant ascent of the traveler, who emerges from the crucible of adversity reborn and revitalized. 
Through the soaring crescendo, the Symphony culminates in a radiant blaze of glory, emphasizing the melody of love.

For listening to the other 3 movements, refer to the related album of the "Ascension Symphony".

Ascension Symphony - 4. Movement: Summit of Gratitude

Gloomy Serenade

The city dreams, the city lives. 
Walking through a rainy city at night.
The saxophone duels with the piano in a whisper of the city’s relentless pulse and its enduring spirit.
Every beat tells a story of passion, struggle and resilience.

A neo-classical jazzy composition for Piano, Saxophone and Orchestra.

Urban Call

A neoclassical testament to the value of retreat,
where silence gives birth to the most profound expressions,
contrapuncting the noise of our world.

This is the 2nd movement of my Symphony "Alive!".

Composed in the silence, solitude and fears of the Pandemic Lockdown.

Sigh of Retreat

Orchestral composition about the Christmas song: Maria durch ein Dornwald ging.

This Christmas carol (translated: "Mary Walked Through a Thorn Forest") tells a touching and serene story of the Virgin Mary as she journeys through a forest of thorns. This poignant imagery symbolizes her steadfast faith and purity, even amidst the harshest trials. As she walks, the thorns miraculously bloom into roses, representing the transformative power of her divine presence and the coming of the Christ child.

With each step, the carol gently unfolds a narrative of hope and miraculous beauty, reflecting the profound serenity and grace that Mary embodies. It captures the essence of Advent—a time of anticipation and quiet joy, where even the most barren and thorny paths can be touched by divine grace, blooming into unexpected beauty.

I tried to put this message and spirit into orchestral music.

Maria durch ein Dornwald ging

Orchestra composition about the Christmas carol: Süsser die Glocken nie klingen (English: "Sweeter the Bells Never Sound") 

The underlying German carol captures the enchanting and joyous atmosphere of the holiday season. The song paints a vivid picture of the magical sound of Christmas bells, which ring out with a sweetness and purity that touches the hearts of all who hear them.

It evokes the warmth and comfort of Christmas time, recalling fond memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. The bells symbolize the message of peace, love, and hope that Christmas brings, resonating deeply with listeners.

In this orchestral composition I want to express this magic mood with pure, sweet tonality and instrumentation of glockenspiel, soft strings and gentle wind/brass ensemble.

Süsser die Glocken nie klingen

Christmas composition for Symphonic Orchestra: Away in a Manger

The original tune is based on a tender and beloved Christmas carol that recounts the serene and humble birth of Jesus Christ. The song paints a touching picture of the infant Jesus lying peacefully in a simple manger, surrounded by the gentle presence of animals and the loving care of Mary and Joseph.

The carol's lyrics reflect a sense of pure innocence and tranquility, emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the holy scene. It captures the gentle lullaby sung to the newborn Savior, expressing adoration and reverence for the child who brings hope and salvation to the world.

With this orchestral composition I intend to evoke a deep sense of peace and comfort, reminding listeners of the profound humility and love that define the Christmas story.

Away in a Manger

Composition for Symphonic Orchestra about the Christmas song: "Ihr Kinderlein kommet" (English: "Oh, Come, Little Children")

The German Christmas carol is an invitation to all children to gather and witness the miracle of the Nativity. The song vividly portrays the serene and humble scene of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, with Mary and Joseph tenderly caring for the newborn Savior.

The lyrics gently call upon the children to come with pure hearts and joyful spirits to the manger, where they can see the Christ child lying in a simple crib, surrounded by the love and devotion of his parents. The carol captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, reflecting the pure joy and awe that the birth of Jesus brings to believers.

This orchestral composition wants to convey themes of simplicity, love, and the profound significance of the Nativity. Through its simple and sweet melody the music invites listeners to embrace the spirit of Christmas with the same innocence and delight as a child, celebrating the arrival of the Savior with open hearts and unbounded joy.

Ihr Kinderlein kommet

Five instruments 
- two violins, one viola, one cello, and one clarinet 
weave through individual melodies, engaging in a bizarre dialogue, until they finally find a harmonious conclusion together.

A multi-tonal dialog for Clarinet and String Quartett in F-minor.

Pentamorphosis

A lite Happy Birthday Song, featuring birds, instrumented by orchestra.
A delightful journey through the sounds of nature. 
An enchanting orchestral piece captures the whimsical charm and beauty of bird songs, crafted as a heartfelt birthday greeting. 
From the gentle whispers of the morning lark to the vibrant calls of the nightingale, each note weaves together a tapestry of joy and celebration.


Birdsong Birthday

Piano Quintet

Elegie for String Orchestra, Adagio in C-major.
The composition starts like a simple romance in C major, but gradually unfolds, measure by measure, into modulations that at times push the boundaries of tonality.
This music expression gives voice to the pain of the last encounter, the deeply felt affection, the memories, and the sense of loss.
The pitch and tone shifts repeatedly, mirroring the ever-changing inflection of one's voice in moments of intense emotion.
At the musical journey's emotional end, the piece resolves in the same key as it began: with a simple C major chord, softly fading into nothingness, carried gently by the contrabasses.

The Last Embrace

1. Movement - Demise:
The first movement portrays a gradual descent, culminating in absolute despair.
After a brief, enigmatic introduction, the piece unfolds episodes of carefree and jubilant dancing, intertwined with moments of social revelry.
But with a hauntingly oppressive cry for help, desperate calls, the work plunges deeper into despair, culminating in utter dissolution. 
The instruments, scattered across the vast sonic landscape, attempt to connect, yet fail.
The first movement concludes in profound hopelessness, with a fragile lament fading away through descending semitones, drained of all strength.

Pandemic Symphony - Demise

2. Movement - Memories of Retreat:
The second movement conveys a total retreat, evoking memories of everything lost during the pandemic: the closeness of family, the warmth of friendship, the wealth of cultural life and exchange.
Following an introduction reminiscent of ancient Baroque music, deeply emotional solo voices weave together a tapestry of romances. 
The piece concludes in an almost harmonious resolution, featuring a spirited toccata for violin and piano.

Pandemic Symphony - Memories of Retreat

3. Movement - Spell of Nature:
The third movement depicts a refuge into the purity of nature. At times, the call of the mountains resonates; at others, the vastness of the ocean unfolds. 
It captures the morning prayer at sunrise, and later, the serenity of a star-studded night sky. 
This movement stands as a tribute to the healing power of nature.

Pandemic Symphony - Spell of Nature

4. Movement - We Will Rise Again:
The fourth movement presents a profound meditation, a heartfelt prayer for resurrection. 
At its core lies the timeless German hymn "Jesu ist erstanden" (Jesus is risen), invoking the healing promise of Christian faith: 
just as our Savior once rose, so too shall humanity rise anew. 
The hymn is freely interpreted in this composition, transitioning into a powerful finale for choir and orchestra. This climactic ending culminates in a somber minor chord, casting a shadow of poignant finality over the work, leaving behind an enduring resonance of strength and renewal.

Pandemic Symphony - We Will Rise Again

Violinist, pianist, chamber and orchestral musician, who devotes himself to composing neo-classical music. 
He weaves a gentle, emotional orchestral language, that speaks about live and touches the heart. 
He captures these ephemeral, timeless, and moving moments, transcribing them with devotion to sound and recording them in the sound studio.

His music creations are a testament to the value of retreat,
where silence gives birth to the most profound expressions, contrapuncting the noise of our world.

Thanks for your kind listening and commenting !
Helmut / HELMUTunes

HELMUTunes

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