Ringleb: Along the River

Along the River describes the journey of the Isar River from its source in the Karwendel Mountains to its confluence with the Danube and, ultimately, its flow into the Black Sea.

Water Lilies Waltz sketches the gentle rocking of water lilies in the slow current of the Ammer River, which flows through a dreamlike nature reserve into Lake Ammersee. Inspired by walks with his grandparents in this magical place, the composer wrote this “false” waltz in 4/4 time.

First Day of School was inspired by the excitement of children on their very first day of school—accompanied by parents and grandparents who are often even more nervous than the kids themselves. The festive bustle, the smartly dressed children, and the elegantly attired adults proudly carrying oversized school cones for their little ones all found their way into this piece.

Lion Heart was composed as a musical birthday gift and premiered in 2024 at the legendary Hangar-7 in Salzburg. A powerful piece in 6/8 time, it makes extensive use of the sostenuto pedal to create a bold, resonant piano sound.

Sorrow is a mantra-like, recurring melody that helped the composer process feelings of pain and grief.

Champagne in London tells the story of the composer’s marriage proposal to his wife in a London club. Unexpectedly overcome with tears, kneeling to loud disco music, he was kindly comforted by numerous Londoners who couldn’t understand why this tall man was crying on the floor while his future wife was beaming with joy. Once the situation was explained, there was plenty of laughter—and, of course, champagne to celebrate the occasion.

At the Wiesn’… captures in music the often whimsical and colorful goings-on at Munich’s famous Oktoberfest.