Joy-jaunts celebrates Thomas Hardy, locations he knew which he reflected in his writing, and Hardy’s fascination with the impact of time passing. The starting point was a visit to Dorset and each movement is prefaced with a quote from a novel or poem. The title of the set comes from the poem ‘Great Things’. This also supplies the quote at the heading of the third movement, which reflects on cider, dancing and love - and ultimately the prospect of death. The message of the poem seems to be to enjoy these things while life offers them. The first movement reflects the magnificent sea-formed arch in Lulworth Cove known as Durdle Door. The second movement evokes Maiden Castle, the ancient earthwork outside Dorchester. The focus here is on the links between different centuries that such locations provide – pianists may be interested in Martin’s piano piece of the same name, inspired by a similar location in Cheshire. It is available from CE.
