Contraflow might be compared to a journey in which the return half is seen in a different perspective. Formally the work consists of a scherzo and trio, where the expected reprise turns into a slow movement in which the scherzo is recapitulated in reverse, with seemingly little resemblance to the original. Within this overall framework there is another process at work – a sequence of tiny concertinos for each member of the ensemble, beginning halfway through the scherzo with second violin, trombone and oboe; then flute, trumpet and viola; in the trio, clarinet, horn and cello; and in the slow movement, contrabassoon, percussion and bass, with finally a duo for first violin and piano.
Contraflow lasts around 12 minutes.
Categories: Ensemble