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.