Plutonion (2019)
(for orchestra)

Plutonion was the name given to a sanctuary of the Greek and Roman god Pluto, the god of the world of the dead in the depths of the earth. This sacred site harboured a mystery that has only recently been explained by scientists. The sanctuaries of Pluto were built in places where subterranean outgassing occurred. As a result, the animals sacrificed to the god died within a few minutes, while the priests seemed to have no problems, which spoke in favour of their superhuman abilities. The reason for this was as follows: near the floor of the temple in the morning and evening hours, there were carbon dioxide accumulations that were fatal for animals that could not hold their heads high enough. The priests of the time were aware of the effect and were able to both utilise it and protect themselves from it, by holding their heads high or climbing onto a stone.

The work ‘Plutonion’ consists of three movements.

- The first movement, characterised by a brutal, extremely energetic character, is dominated by brass and percussion. The opening gesture, a plunge into the depths of the earth into the realm of Pluto, forms the initial spark for the entire work and is reached several times in the course of this movement as a result of a rapid increase in energy. The movement ends in that moment when the energy reaches its climax and is discharged in an explosion.

The second movement, scored exclusively for strings and harp, is a quiet intermezzo - after the explosion at the end of the first movement, time seems to have stood still - the only thing that has remained, are very delicate, static, slowly changing chords in the strings. Gradually, the initially very short motifs in the solo strings - scraps of a ruined waltz - develop into increasingly personal statements and bring the once rigid harmonic fabric to life.

The third, final movement is held in a magical, mysterious atmosphere. Here, the symphonically orchestrated emotional outbursts alternate with chamber music fragments. The piece ends in a hopeful, exhaling gesture leading to eternity.