WALD

The Hidden Life of Trees

Few instruments are as intrinsically linked to their origins as the horn is to the forest. Recognizing this deep connection, the four young Belgian horn players of Korpus Kwartet return the instrument to its roots, offering not traditional hunting calls but a wholly innovative approach. Collaborating with composer Siebe Thijs, they draw inspiration from Peter Wohlleben's acclaimed book The Hidden Life of Trees, integrating its insights into a newly crafted piece: WALD. Experience a world teeming with wonder, emotion, and life as you immerse yourself in the towering presence of the forest through sight and sound.

'WALD' premiered during the Muziekzomer Gelderland 2022 festival, featuring six performances at stunning venues, including the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, National Park De Hoge Veluwe, and Kroondomein Het Loo in Apeldoorn.

Korpus Kwartet

Korpus Kwartet unites four talented and ambitious young horn players dedicated to reimagining classical music. Known for their flexibility and innovation, the ensemble explores unique approaches to performance, sometimes venturing into unconventional locations, as seen in their production WALD, commissioned by Muziekzomer Gelderland. True to their name—derived from the Serbian word for “bell” and incorporating the French word cor (horn)—Korpus Kwartet positions the horn at the heart of their work, offering fresh and unexpected musical experiences.

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Composer

Siebe Thijs (b. 1999, Ghent, Belgium) holds a Master’s degree in Composition from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he studied under Wim Henderickx and Bram Van Camp. Thijs’ work emphasizes the exploration of timbre and texture, often reimagining the roles of instruments, objects, and electronics within his compositions. Known for his interest in interdisciplinary projects, he has participated in numerous international master classes and composition academies. His music has also received international acclaim, with performances at festivals such as Crossroads Festival (Austria), Festival Arc-en-Ciel (France), and Muziekzomer Gelderland (Netherlands).

“For this new score, I searched for specific sounds of the horn that could dialogue with natural environmental sounds specific to a forest.”