The De Meij 4th Symphony for solo voice, children's choir and wind orchestra was inspired by a variety of 19th century German poems. The first three movements use lyrics from the same source as Gustav Mahler: Kindertotenlieder by Friedrich Rückert. The second half of the symphony continues on the death theme, using a poem by Heinrich Heine ('Two Brothers'). The last two songs, 'Early Spring' and 'Song of the Harlequin' by Hugo von Hofmannsthal are a metaphor for rebirth, new life and hope. The symphony was written at the request of the South-Tirol Youth Wind Orchestra, for the annual Mahler Festival in Dobiacco-Italy.
