Year 2100: Air pollution is so severe that clean air is only available in special rooms (‘Respitory Rooms’).
These rooms are used for relaxation and survival - similar to an oxygen lounge or a retreat for the wealthy.
The music is based on a reinterpretation of Bach's ‘Air’ - an ironic contrast:
A classical masterpiece about lightness and beauty meets a dystopian future in which ‘air’ has become a luxury.
Interpretation
1. Irony of the title ‘Air 2100’:
In the 18th century, air was taken for granted - in 2100, it is a controlled commodity.
The allusion to Bach symbolises a lost world - full of elegance, tranquillity and naturalness.
2. criticism of environmental destruction & class society:
Clean air as an exclusive retreat shows that not everyone has access to the necessities of life.
Those who can ‘afford’ clean air live - the rest struggle.
3. musical depth:
The use of Bach's Air creates a strong contrast between musical harmony and thematic dystopia - similar to sampling in electronic music, only with a critical message.