Winter Journey is based on two moments from Franz Schubert’s Winterreise; its original version for violin solo was first performed in 1983. This version for viola was first performed in 2000 and is transposed down a fifth from the original. Across 14 minutes and eleven distinct sections Matthews presents variations on this original material in variously lyrical and virtuosic forms; the piece is also inspired by JS Bach’s Chaconne for solo violin in this respect. The overall mood of the piece comes from Matthews’ identification with the melancholy protagonist of Schubert’s song cycle.