by Mukheled Al-Amiry

Created on: May 14, 2009

No one who truly listens to the sounds of waves as they rush to shore, the rustling of leaves as tree branches bow and scrape in greeting the visiting breeze like waltzing courtiers, or the chorus of birdsong at dawn as birds celebrate the birth of another day, would be left in any doubt that nature had composed the earth's first ever symphony, and that its magical music is masterfully played at every minute of every day, on a stage which covers every inch of this planet.

Nature is an emotional composer and its moods are reflected in its music. One can discern and relate to the sounds of; contentment in the gentle breeze, joy in the trickle of a mountain stream, ecstasy in the songs of birds, alarm in the calls of animals, threat in high winds, melancholia in the songs of whales and fury in the cacophonous sounds of tornados, hurricanes, tidal waves, thunder, volcanoes and earthquakes.

Mother Nature's music transcends all boundaries. It plays the same tunes to its human offspring regardless of colour or creed, age or gender, sighted or blind. It is egalitarian and has no parameters. It pays no homage to rules and begets the same response from all. Like smiles, laughter, groans of pain and cries of sorrow, nature's music is a universal language, which can elate, sadden or even terrify the listener.

Inspired by nature's music, early man's bids at making tools were in part to emulate nature and produce his own musical or rhythmic sounds. Hollowed-out tree-trunks made drums and so did animal skins, stretched intestines made tuneful sounds and holed lengths of bamboo and reeds made flutes. As man advanced, so did his instruments and music, and his music -as he learned from nature- became a vehicle for mood reflection.

Perhaps the best portrayal of man's interpretation of nature's music can be found in Antonio Vivaldi's; Le Quattro Staggioni (The Four Seasons) set of violin concertos composed in 1723. In this superbly written and arranged suite, Vivaldi had captured the character and essence of every season individually in musical representations, which can ingeniously transport the listener from wherever and whenever, into the hearts and souls of the four seasons of the year.

The perfect way to experience this sensory transportation is to listen to each of these masterpieces. Close your eyes and picture images of each season as you listen to one of the best ever interpretations of nature's music through instrumentation.

Spring: Heralding the time of new birth

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