In other words, the main 'action' of the work becomes more concerned with rhythm and color than with motives or melodies (though these elements do make occasional appearances here and there).
[1]The work is scored for an orchestra comprising two flutes (doubling piccolo), two oboes, two clarinets (doubling bass clarinet), two bassoons, four horns, three trumpets, two trombones, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, four percussionists, and strings.
James F. Cotter of the Times Herald-Record called it "a wonder-working piece that fully engaged all the instruments in its 15-minute version of a musical hurricane."
He added that it "sent shock waves through the audience with its blasts of percussion, thundering timpani and orchestral repercussions.
"[3] Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times gave the piece more lukewarm response, opining, "Though not a great work, it is skillfully executed and effective, and refreshingly honest..."[4] Philip Kennicott of The Washington Post similarly remarked that it gets "high marks for everything but its soul.