Playing Possums

he Journey Home may be described as program music with its extramusical idea of an imaginary character heading for home, full of excitement at the prospect of reuniting with loved ones mingled with reveries of the past.

The piece opens with the “travel” theme, a jaunty melody above a tight rhythmic motif creating a sense of anticipation as the journey begins. This repeating quaver pattern provides useful practice material for building bow technique such as hook stroke and bow retakes.

A “chorale” is introduced as the traveller falls into a reverie. Arching melodies and rich harmony contrast with the earlier mood, offering an opportunity to explore musical expression and tone production.

The changing tempos are written so as to be negotiated easily by the players while instilling the importance of communication with the conductor.