Thursday Island is among the many islands in Torres Strait, the stretch of water that lies between Australia’s far north and Papua New Guinea.  Oh, T.I.! is one of the island’s popular songs: the title bears an abbreviation of its name.  The words of the song are:

During World War II, the song was well-known to members of the Australian and U.S. armed forces stationed in the area.  They often sang it to ease their concerns about the threat of Japanese invasion.  Today, the island is under greater threat.  Already, because of climate change, all the islands in the strait are endangered by rising tides.

 

The present work is in two movements: ‘Island Song’ and ‘Night Song’.  The Oh, T.I.! melody is stated quite early in the first movement. This is followed by music based upon an Aboriginal chant from Northern Australia.  Called Djilile, meaning ‘Whistling-duck on a billabong’, it appears in many guises in my output.  It leads to a joyful statement of Oh, T.I.! and, after reaching its climax, the movement is quietly brought to a close.

 

‘Night Song’ opens in a somewhat mysterious manner.  Beginning with an extended solo for guitar, this music introduces a section that is filled with sadness and yearning.  The yearning stems from the islanders’ desire to keep their birthplace safe.  Following this section, a tender version of Oh, T.I.! is heard on the guitar and from here to the end of the work the music suggests that there is hope for the future.

 

P.S.