It was the early 1980’s. I was drawn to the sound of pop music that was incorporating synths predominantly into their sound. But why the title?

The title is not connected to a particular event or political situation. It refers to the struggle for dignity and freedom where those qualities are threatened. It can even speak to the yearning for freedom from the sometimes crushing practicalities of life.

The bassoon is well placed to take its role in this piece, easily conveying qualities of strength and emotional vulnerability. James McKay encouraged me to write for bassoon and his enthusiasm for the work was a tonic as I began to write with him in mind. His playing is heard in the tape part in the mix with the electronic sounds. McKay premiered the work in 1983.

The current score incorporates some minor revisions to the bassoon part which I made in 2023. The tape part was remastered in 2023.