The first movement begins with an immediate presentation of the opening thematic material, a ten-note statement of the strings in conjunction with powerful timpani strikes.
Playing throughout the majority of the movement, the timpani guide the orchestra into a quick descent, and, having quieted the ensemble, provide gentle pulse.
At one point Glass instructs the timpanists to abandon their mallets and play with their bare hands, creating higher pitch.
The orchestra reenters with a sudden burst of cymbals, after which the cadenza segues directly into the third movement proper, with a rapid rhythm set by wood block and other auxiliary percussion.
The orchestra gradually builds up intensity; the movement grows into a passionate, major-key high-point consisting of quick triplets from a number of instruments, with the timpani providing unceasing, driving pulse.
As if the first period of animation was a mere precursor, the movement rebuilds itself into an even louder and more enthusiastic climax, the timpani performing complex maneuvers in coordination with one another.
[6] The work has become popular and was later performed by Haas and John Chimes with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Marin Alsop.
[7] In addition, the work has been conducted under Gerard Schwarz, performed by Evelyn Glennie, Haas and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.