Four Earth Songs : for Soprano Solo and Band

The hymn Nun ruhen alle Wälder (Now All Forests Rest), arranged by J.S. Bach (No. 6, So sei nun, Seele, deine, from Cantata BWV 13), is a guiding light throughout this four-movement composition. Pütz wrote this work as a musical outcry against the wilful, profit-driven destruction of our environment. When Bach used the word “ruhen” (to rest) over 350 years ago, it probably had a different nuance from the meaning it has today. At the beginning of the 21st century - the so-called age of progress - “nun ruhen alle Wälder” should mean “now all forests die” . Massive industrialization and globalization, coupled with pure greed, corruption, political scandals, an ever-wideninggap between the rich and poor, and other such senseless human actions, are pushing our blue planet closer and closer to the point of no return. This work is not intended to be a ranting accusation. It should remind us of the beauty and harmony that can exist all around us in nature, if we take care of it. Pütz hopes that this will, one day, help put a greater emphasis on humanity’s survival, and coexistence with nature rather than the exploitation described earlier. All four texts were created by Australian poet Graeme King, whose works were discovered by Pütz, by chance on the internet. Pütz was especially captivated by King’s clarity, and intrigued by the possibilities of adapting and melding the strong rhythmical structure of King’s writing with his own musical language. The four movements are as follows: 1. Tears of Nature 2. Grrrevolution 3. Stand up! 4. Tomorrow The world première of Four Earth Songs took place on 7 July 2009 at the 14th WASBE-Conference in Cincinnati (USA). This work is dedicated in friendship to Jouke Hoekstra, conductor, and the Frysk Fanfare Orkest (the Frisian Fanfare-Orchestra).