The percussion is especially important — soloist roles for the xylorimba and glockenspiel as well as for the piano and horn, the four protagonists of the piece.

With alto flute, viola, guitar, vibraphone and xylorimba prominent in the ensemble, the soundworld irresistibly recalls Boulez's Le Marteau Sans Maître, though the musical syntax and vocal lines are very different.

In another section, the flute meanders insouciantly over an animated background of xylorimba and bongo drums.