[2] Nevertheless, Clyne commented in the score program note, "Whilst it is not intended to depict a specific narrative, my intention is that it will evoke a visual journey for the listener.
[1] Reviewing a performance by the BBC Philharmonic, Robert Beale of The Arts Desk described This Midnight Hour as "accessible music, with recognisable chords, repetition of coherent units within its themes, reprises of some important sections, and the instrumentational ability to make even a straight unison sound thrilling."
He added, "It's also at times quite filmic in style, with a big tune in string octaves, folksy woodwind solos, and a slow, sentimental role for two trumpets, either side of the stage, with very traditional harmonies to accompany them.
"[4] Reviewing that same performance, Chuck Lavazzi of KDHX-FM wrote that the "chase" music soon changes into "a tipsy dance that requires the strings to use some unorthodox techniques (e.g., some players using no vibrato, others playing slightly out of tune) to imitate the sound of an accordion.
"[5] Scott Cantrell of The Dallas Morning News was more critical of the piece, however, remarking, "Fourteen minutes long, it's certainly a loose-strung stream of consciousness.