Day 13-Into the Sun (2017)—Jodie Blackshaw
June 13, 2025
Recording:
Jodie Blackshaw’s Into the Sun offers a musical journey through the emotional landscapes of immigration and displacement, told not as a single narrative, but as a tapestry of lived experiences. Inspired by the journeys of those who settled in Australia, the work opens a window into stories of departure, loss, arrival, and hope. But this story could belong to any region or people. It is as universal as it is personal.
The piece unfolds in six continuous sections, each skillfully flowing into the next. It begins with solitude: a solo trombone, soon joined by clarinet, sing over a tuba drone reminiscent of a didgeridoo, earthy, and full of weight. From there, the ensemble swells in an upward arc, blooming with optimism and movement.
A burst of rhythmic energy follows: shakers, bell tones, and woodwind flourishes paint a picture of discovery and newness. But the music soon turns inward. A piano solo introduces a contemplative stretch, followed by lyrical solos in euphonium and horn, and a brief moment of stillness in the woodwinds.
Joy then returns, unexpected and welcome, in the form of a lilting 6/8 dance, rhythmic and resilient, almost like a reel. Finally, the music settles into calmness with gentle bell tones and warm harmonies offering a sense of rest and home.
At just under eight minutes, this Grade 3.5 work offers a powerful platform for students to explore nuance, pacing, and meaning. Into the Sun isn’t just about migration, it’s about belonging, resilience, and the human need to feel seen and rooted.