Mario Bürki: Symphony No. 1 "Energetica", 2nd movement: Fossil Energy

Since the Stone Age, energy has played a significant and ever-increasing role in the development of humanity. Each advancement has triggered a new surge in development but has also brought forth new problems, often only becoming apparent later. This symphony narrates the story of energy generation and utilization in a musical manner, conveying to the audience both the benefits and the harm, as well as the necessary evolution.
It is important to note that fossil fuels and nuclear energy were not inherently bad. In their time, they initially brought much benefit and prosperity. The awareness of these issues is also addressed, and it is demonstrated how they have led to new solutions. In the end, the question arises: «Quo Vadis Humanity?» Will we embark on a new utopian future with renewable energy, clean air, and fewer problems, or will we descend into a dystopian downward spiral marked by climate change, nuclear waste, and air pollution?

2nd Movement: Fossil Energy
The movement begins with the departure of a steam locomotive. Steam locomotives were the first self-propelled, mechanically driven rail vehicles and dominated rail transport from its inception until the mid-20th century. These locomotives were fueled with both wood and increasingly with bituminous coal, which had a significantly higher calorific value. Bituminous coal was extracted in mining, where it was brought up from the depths of the earth. However, mining posed significant dangers to the personnel working in the tunnels, such as collapsing rock masses, cave-ins, or water infiltrations, which unfortunately continue to claim numerous lives to this day.
On August 27, 1859, Edwin L. Drake, also known as Colonel Drake, struck the first oil well at a depth of only 21.2 meters. This discovery marked the beginning of the oil boom in the United States, ten years after the Gold Rush. Automobiles with internal combustion engines displaced steam engines and horses, becoming the driving force of the economy and bringing prosperity, wealth, and globalization. Airplanes and increasingly larger ships revolutionized global trade and mobility. Brands like «Harley Davidson» and events like «Formula 1» stood as status symbols for oil consumption.
However, the high oil consumption led to problems such as global warming, emissions, the diesel scandal, and wars over oil.

More Informations:
https://musikverlag-frank.ch/SINFONIE...

1st movement: Bio Energy :
   • Mario Bürki: Symphony No. 1 "Energetica", ...  

3rd movement: Nuclear Energy :
   • Mario Bürki: Symphony No. 1 "Energetica", ...  

4th movement: Renewable Energy :
   • Mario Bürki: Symphony No. 1 "Energetica", ...