Subtitled an Oriental Phantasy, it illustrates a priestly incantation, two lovers, a wedding procession, a street brawl and the restoration of calm by the beating of the temple gong.
[1] A synopsis of scenes by the composer mentions that after a short introduction, "The Incantation of the Priests in the Temple" is followed by "The Perfume of Incence Floats on the Air".
[2] Two lovers are illustrated by a melody for cello, viola and oboe accompanied by pizzicato, followed by a noisy Manchu wedding procession.
[1][3] The critic Ronald Ever wrote in 1958 about Ketèlbey's use of "every exotic noisemaker known to man—chimes, orchestra bells, gongs (all sizes and nationalities), cymbals, woodblocks, xylophone, drums of every variety".
[5] The piece was recorded in 1992 by the London Promenade Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Faris, together with other works by the composer including In a Persian Market.