The french horn intones a plaintive melody over a descending pattern in the tuba, sustained throughout. This melody then passes to the other instruments, but is ever evolving. Strategically placed suspensions and a series of contrasting countermelodies result in striking harmonic moments, often belieing the renaissance-like character of the thematic material. After a gradual crescendo, growing in rhythmic intensity, a brief pause ensues after which the music tapers off, creating the impression of itinerant musicians approaching, stopping for a moment, and then departing.
Duration: 4 min.$15.95 (score and parts)