Tasmania's landscape is an ever-present source of inspiration to me. The forests, mountains and waterways provided the spark that brought this work into being, but it is less representational in concept than a number of my recent compositions.

Organised in one extended movement, it is nevertheless divided into three main sections. The very slow, quiet opening begins from a single pitch, D, which is gradually extended outwards chromatically, to soon burst out into the spirited first main section. This eventually gives way, after a strong, dissonant climax, to a slower and generally quieter main central section, characterised by an expansive melody beginning and ending on a solo oboe. This section leads in turn to a more flowing third main phase, which, having run its course, returns to a partial reprise of the very opening, which serves as a quiet, peaceful coda, bring the work, as it were, full circle.

Instrumentation:

• 3[1.2.pic]3[1.2.EH]3[1.2.Bcl]3[1.2.Cbn] – 4331 – tmp+2 – hp – str[8.6.5.4.3]
• Chimes, S.D., Sus Cymbal, Temple Blocks, Crotales, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Bass Drum, Pair of Cymbals

Dedicated to the memory of Gwen Harwood.

N.B. This is the score and parts hire page, to purchase the score click HERE.