A LOCAL composer has begun work on a new symphony inspired by his lifelong passion for philosophy.
Charles Mauleverer’s project – which will focus on the lives of four philosophers of “tremendous global importance” and the impact of their ideas – is still in its early stages, but the composer said it would be “wonderful if people would like to follow the journey” on social media.
Mr Mauleverer has been reading philosophy for years and signed up for a philosophy course in 2021.
“In uncertain times, both globally and personally, philosophy can be of tremendous consolidation and warmth,” he told the JEP, adding that he believes this is something many people also find in music.
The new project announcement came just as two of his previous symphonies, ‘Two Brothers’ and ‘Five Curiosities’ have just become available to stream on Spotify.
‘Two Brothers’ was commissioned by ArtHouse Jersey and the government to commemorate 100 years since the end of World War One in 2018.
But Mr Mauleverer said he felt the piece still felt particularly poignant today, as the world faces new conflicts.
“The best chance we stand of avoiding the needless loss of life and suffering is thinking about what people fought for, gave their lives for, and what the legacy of that is today,” he reflected.
His more recent symphony, ‘Five Curiosities’, was released in 2022 and has a markedly more uplifting tone than his earlier work.
The symphony was structured around five movements, each based on one of Mr Mauleverer’s favourite parts of Jersey.
He said he was especially fond of the finale – a tribute to the “magenta sunset at St Ouen”.
While Mr Mauleverer hopes the release of his work on streaming platforms will help it reach new audiences, he added that he has “mixed feelings about digital platforms, and noted that purchasing music in a physical form – such as through CDs – remains a better way to support musicians directly.
