The piece, intended to capture the throbbing vibrancy of Manhattan, is notable for its ability to imitate electronic sounds through acoustic instrumentation.
The canonic interplay in the composition creates multiple layers of sound, akin to Reich's earlier phase pieces.
These resulting melodies or melodic patterns then become the basis for the following section as the other surrounding parts in the contrapuntal web fade out.
Despite the ambiguity and phase, this movement is the most melodic of the three, making its presence strong as an interlude and catalyst for the bombastic finale.
The final movement of New York Counterpoint draws attention to the bass clarinets, which function to accent in prominence.