American composer Mason Bates’ Alternative Energy (2012) is a symphony that tells a story – about the unwise use of energy and the harm that could come of it – using the traditional orchestra and adding the unique touch of electronica (manipulated electronic sounds). Bates’ mastery of both acoustical and electronic music makes for a fantastic symphony of color and mind-bending sounds. Next, the highly popular film and anime (animation) composer, Japanese musician Yugo Kanno wrote his 2014 Revive as a response to the earthquake and resulting tsunamis that hit East Japan in 2011. Scored as a concerto for two traditional Japanese instruments, the koto (zither) and the shakuhachi (bamboo flute), Kanno wanted to depict “Japan itself” in the throes of, and in response to, the tragedy. Finally, Beethoven’s forever popular “Pastoral” Symphony No. 6 was premiered in 1808. Recreating the feelings and the joy of being in nature, the Pastoral is Beethoven’s own thanks to the earth, and the first inarguably successful programmatic symphony.