New Ways

New Ways was written for the dedication of the new high-speed train line in Austria. The ‘New Ways’ of the title is a comparison between a journey in an ultramodern train with that of a ride in an old steam locomotive. The two opposites are presented in two contrasting movements: on the one hand, the shunting of wagons, the whistle of the engine and the leisurely journey; while on the other, the sheer speed, energy and absolute mobility. A fine musical contrast!