“It’s a narrative of conflict and war,” he said. “It begins with peace and preparation for war and for conflict, the reflection after this, then hoping for a better future.
“But that, of course, never happened. And here we are 25 years later in the midst of all this mess globally, so, that was one side.
“The other side is, I like to think there’s some reason to it, that the music appeals and is memorable.”
Over the years, Sir Karl said many people have told him how the piece has supported them through difficult times.
“It’s still as relevant today, the message, as it was 25 years ago,” he said. “It’s moved a lot of people.
“I get a lot of messages from people who are ill and who are dying, people with some trauma in their life, who have told me about the support the music has given them.”