Yvonne Bloor

Homecoming

Homecoming is a well received classical guitar composition written in 2017. Specially commissioned by and dedicated to the Roth Duo (Sam Rodwell and Emma Smith) - the piece has become a well loved addition to their touring repertoire.

Reviews from classical music societies and festivals describe the piece as ‘relaxed, welcoming’ with a ‘sense of the familiar’ like a ’song without words’ due to its lyrical melodies. It has also been described as ’simply stunning’ and a ’touching finale to a live performance’. It is a piece that beautifully showcases the technical sensitivity, rapport and expressive control of a performing duo.



The composition treats both guitars as equal conversational partners. The work is built upon simple and expressive melodies that move seamlessly from an intimate, reflective opening dialogue into a rhythmic and animated middle section before returning once more to the first theme. The piece captures the universal, nostalgic warmth of its title.

I wrote Homecoming after an unsettled time of life living away from home. My aim was to recreate in musical expression the warm and comforting emotions that can arise when returning to a place of deep familiarity after a time of absence.