One might imagine that this music progresses like a life journey. The first movement begins with introduction of the soloist via the initial theme, moves into youthful exuberance, then turns to a time of trial and conflict among various experiences. It then closes in doubt, maybe wondering if the spoils of life are indeed worth the cost of the hunt.

The second movement, introduced by solo bassoon, reflects on all that has happened so far, as the bassoon and orchestra interject thoughts which the soloist considers. This middle movement is really a nocturne, with music which attempts to explore the depths of the soul in a nighttime atmosphere of solitary reflection.

As the brighter finale tune appears in the trumpet after the last echo of the bassoon, resolve builds and exuberance returns in a new guise. We were once adrift; now we are led back toward home. The opening theme returns but the familiar ground we had hoped to find is not the same. We discover that it has been altered by the passing of time and realize that we must decide, after having come all this way, whether to accept it or to travel on.