DESCRIPTION:
This great piece, originally written by the composer for orchestra, was John Mackey's first work for concert band. The piece opens with a driving and virtuosic motive that gradually builds in intensity. After the first climax, the second theme of the piece enters, the "tango", mostly dominated by the clarinet section. The "tango" then moves into a restatement of the opening theme, albeit a "redder" version, in the composer's own words. The piece concludes with a final sampling of the "tango" theme and then a finishing bang.

Performed by the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble.