Hermann Pallhuber

Elements Of Nature

Earth - Fire - Water - Air: According to the four element theory of temperaments, earth, fire, air and water are the building blocks of the universe. Without them, life would not exist. They shape our view of the world around us, affect our thoughts and guide our feelings. Classifying our cosmos according to the four elements is probably one of the oldest principles of mankind, dating back to the ancient Greeks, and maybe even before them. While we know more about the elements and atoms, these four are still deeply embedded in the human psyche. According to ancient Greek philosophers, each of the four elements has its own particular attributes. All other substances in nature are said to have emerged from these elements and can be broken down into them. All creatures, including human beings, contain a mixture of these four elements, which shape their senses. The elements are even able to balance out the body and the soul. This suite, Elements of Nature, is in four movements, each corresponding to one of the elements. Dances of Fire: Savage, occult, dangerous - Fire signifies the will of man. The Circle of Water: Flowingly, endless, mighty - Water sums up the feelings of human beings. Planet Earth: Structured, material, fertile - Earth stands for the awareness of the self. Air - The Spirit of Life: Stirring, altering, sensual - Air signifies human intellect. Elements of Nature contains a main theme that combines the female elements (earth and water) with the male elements (fire and air). The four movements are also linked to each other by their motifs. A majestic prologue and an epilogue frame the suite.