Ooh, I like that one better! I will never listen to the Canon the same way again! ... In fact I'll listen to it right now.
Yes, this seems to be working. At the beginning, the cello (Frodo) begins the theme and the violins (Sam, Merry, Pippin) play the same thing. Then the theme splits and they play in harmony, which is perhaps the friendship they all share, showing how they have become closer and now understand one another better. Then one or two violins break off and play the slightly faster accompaniment, which could be the surprise and shock felt when Frodo reveals that he's leaving. When it gets quiet after this, it is Frodo explaining why he must leave. It then loudens once more, perhaps protest against these reasons, but then it becomes a little quieter and the notes are longer, showing that Frodo knows what he must do and cannot be swayed. Then it adopts a sadder sound, which is acceptance. From this point, you can certainly envision Frodo going to each of his friends, exhanging embraces and farewells, last of all Sam, which is when the one violin goes up higher than the rest, very emotionally. As the violin goes down to join the rest, it seems that Sam feels great grief but knows that what his master is doing is for the best and he must "remain whole" for the time and fall back into the mays of the Shire. The final chord is Frodo stepping onto the boat, knowing that he will find peace, and his friends know it too and do not wish to hinder him.
I know there are many variations done on this piece, so I am just going with the one I have. This one's got a harpsichord in it, beginning the piece and then just playing the chords in the background for the rest of it. Perhaps the reassuring sound of the harpsichord could be Gandalf, who provided an aid to them all in their adventures.
A friend of mine from band has this piece as a flute quartet... now with my new perspective on it I have to find her and demand the sheet music!
