A Year On Planet Earth is a captivating 6-part nature series produced by ITV. This groundbreaking series takes viewers on a journey to over 60 locations around the globe, exploring the impact of changing seasons on Earth's diverse ecosystems. Through its innovative approach, A Year On Planet Earth offers a fresh perspective on understanding the natural world. The series primarily focuses on the seasons' effects through the eyes of animals, featuring awe-inspiring creatures such as grizzly bears, cheetahs, blacktip sharks, and more.
In order to convey the significance and emotional depth of its subjects, the creators of A Year On Planet Earth enlisted the talents of renowned composer Jasha Klebe. With an impressive resume that includes scoring some of the world's finest nature documentaries like Planet Earth II and Our Planet II, Klebe once again skillfully combines his passion for the natural world with his love for music in A Year On Planet Earth.
We are thrilled to present the exclusive premiere of "A Year on Planet Earth Suite", a pivotal composition from the upcoming soundtrack of the series. Take a listen below:
Listen to the A Year On Planet Earth Soundtrack on July 14
Klebe, who has worked on renowned nature documentaries, aimed to differentiate his "A Year on Planet Earth Suite" from previous projects. To achieve this, the composer expanded his range of instruments and crafted a distinctive soundscape unique to the series. Here's what he had to say about the matter:
Having been lucky enough to compose for various natural history series such as Planet Earth II, Animal, and Our Planet II, "A Year On Planet Earth" presented an exciting opportunity to delve into a fresh and unique sound. With the suite's title track, I aimed to go beyond the usual boundaries of an orchestral score and embrace a multitude of different instruments and textures.
Starting with an ambient soundscape created by bowed electric guitars and synths, I then layered my vocals to achieve an echoing call effect. The addition of cascading strings leads us to the core of the track, which consists of a percussion ensemble made up of hand claps, bells/gongs, water tanks, and tree branches. To enhance the grandeur of the piece and convey a vibrant and lively atmosphere, the arrangement includes fluttering woodwinds, prominent vocal chants, large taiko/tom drum circles, and expansive strings.
The track "A Year On Planet Earth Suite" is just one of the 34 compositions featured on the A Year On Planet Earth soundtrack. Throughout the entire soundtrack, Klebe found inspiration in the various animals and environments showcased in the series. He adjusted the instrumentation and texture to reflect how organisms thrive, survive, and face challenges in the natural world. This aspect of Klebe's soundtrack was described by him as follows:
When tasked with composing the music for the ITV series, 'A Year On Planet Earth,' my goal was to create a score that embodied the beauty and joy of the natural world. To achieve this, I utilized a diverse range of instruments and textures, crafting soundscapes that were as vibrant and colorful as the animals and environments depicted.
The opening suite featured a combination of ambient vocal calls, cascading strings, and a lively percussive motif, serving as the series' heartbeat. In "Bush Fire," I incorporated layered ambient vocals, creating a depth of sound. "Ice Bears" showcased delicate piano and wistful solo cello, while "Monarch Butterfly" featured a sweeping, melodic song. Through these musical choices, I aimed to capture the wonder and emotions experienced during the transition between each new season throughout the year on planet Earth.
A Year On Planet Earth premiered on ITV1 on July 9th, while the box set is currently accessible for streaming on ITVx. The soundtrack for A Year On Planet Earth will be released on digital platforms on July 14th and can be streamed here.