WIND QUINTET NO. 2

Among his many compositions, Kenneth V. Jones wrote a concerto for string orchestra (1956), a concerto for oboe and strings (1963), The Pollock, an orchestral prelude (1963), O Light Invisible, a cantata for soprano, mixed chorus and orchestra (1963), a sonata for solo violin (1967), Dialysis, for violin and harpsichord (1973), Quaquaverse, for saxophone quartet (1979), Paean for organ (1983), three Sinfonias for orchestra, as well as piano works, song cycles, film, play and television scores and church music, including hymns and anthems. Commissioned by UNESCO, the Wind Quintet No. 2, Op. 2 (1952) begins with an assertive Lento movement that commands the listener's attention with it's flourishes and fanfare-like gestures. The ensuing Vigoroso is breezy and relaxed, allowing each player a chance to take centre-stage during it's crisp, clipped progress. The following, moderately slow, movement has an almost liquid fluency, while the Giocoso finale exudes an airy and insouciant elegance, the players' imminent departure judiciously signalled by a couple of whooping horn calls.