Judgement Day

The last decades we humans have witnessed a significant number of disturbing developments. If we look at the direct and persistent destructive influence of humans on nature: air and water quality are reducing, soils are depleting, crops are short of pollinators, coasts are less protected from storms, deforestation, the degradation of land, loss of biodiversity and pollution. In stark contrast we find the intelligence and boundless creativity of humans: what about all the high technological advancements? What lies ahead in the realm of Artificial Intelligence? Will we let machines make human decisions? What ethical issues arise there? This composition reflects the desperation and urgency of the human need for action. The music draws inspiration from the brutal natural forces that ravage our world as a direct consequence of human failure and selfishness. Are we heading towards a 'Judgment Day'? Or will humanity find a way to reverse negative trends towards a more livable, peaceful, and joyful environment for humans, animals, and nature? To underscore this message, composer Peter Knockaert opted for a highly classical idiom that has been used by many composers in classical music: the 'Dies Irae'. Traditionally, the Dies Irae is the third part of a requiem (funeral mass). The text used in 'Judgment Day’ (for optional choir) is coming from the original Latin text.