Lonely Travelers

Layering two songs which speak to the idea of searching for something beyond your current situation, this is an excellent piece for teaching an ensemble to blend so they can hear each other and not be individually heard. Using 900 Miles and The Wayfaring Stranger for compositional material, thematic elements from both are interwoven into the overall musical fabric. 900 Miles' lonely railroad worker is heard in woodwind train whistle effects and the homesickness of The Wayfaring Stranger, as heard in the movie "1917", is effectively portrayed by a moving treatment using long tones with a continuing rhythmic accompaniment. A strong concert, contest or festival choice, this work offers cross-curricular opportunities as well.