In Summer 2007, invited by Kent Nagano to the Munich Opera Festival, singer Theo Bleckmann met the group Kneebody to create a new song cycle from works by Charles Ives.Twelve compositions for voice and piano/ensemble/orchestra, written by this significant American composer at the start of the 20th century, were to be reworked. Ives characteristically combines the folk voice of America with classical forms and traditions from Europe. Everyday American music, quotes from marches, hymns and dances are brought into play, but he doesn't write music to please: instead, he uses contrasting elements and sonic irritations to create an image of America that sketches the inner character of this New World society after the War of Independence. Extensive re-workings by Theo Bleckmann and Kneebody put Ives' music in a context alongside elements of jazz, electronics and improvisation. The singer Theo Bleckmann is part of a close circle of Winter & Winter artists who have collaborated since 2004 on Der Kastanienball; since then have come Las Vegas Rhapsody, Berlin, and now Twelve Songs by Charles Ives: a homage to an exceptional composer.