The image of a landscape in April, freed from winter’s hold, with its mixture of barrenness and still dull colours, characterises the basic tone of this piece. Melodic elements and fast virtuoso figurations cannot be found, instead the piece is dominated by subtle nuances of just a few sounds and textures. The harmony is based almost entirely on a single chord type. Occasionally, short chains of repetitions and oscillating impulses emerge from this string of sounds. Ambitious performers can use this demanding and varied piece to try out modern playing techniques. Instrumentation: flute/bassflute (or clarinet), oboe and bassoon