Miriam Hyde: The Poplar Avenue

Abstract

The Poplar Avenue was inspired by a poplar avenue in the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne, in late spring, 1936. Seen at first in their mature green, the leaves flickering in a light breeze, one can imagine the tall trees turning to autumn colouring in the B-flat minor section. A central climax - perhaps a storm - brings down the leaves, and the original key of F-sharp minor returns. A thin texture at high pitch suggests the filigree of bare twigs, from which drops of water are falling. Winter has come, but the Tierce de Picardie ending recalls Shelley's words, 'Can Spring be far behind?'.