Quintet for Winds No. 2

 

Written in 1986 for the Manhattan Wind Quintet, this dynamic piece in three movements encompasses several moods that range from aggressiveness to placidity and etherealness. A technically demanding piece, the first movement is filled with exciting short phrases that come together in a fugual section. The second movement is both peaceful and emotional, with a profound sense of mystery. Finally, the third movement, a chaconne, features a continuous set of variations over a brief repeated harmonic pattern. The movement ends with a chorale-like coda that summarizes the entire piece.