The nature of the timpani means that musical development is rhythmic rather than tonal. In the first movement, a broad theme is announced by the timpani themselves, and immediately echoed and modified by the full wind band. Material is embroidered by woodwinds and developed by the soloist. The second movement (Adagio) is virtually an aria in which we are left with an expressive mood conjured from the timpani themselves. The last movement is a romp - characteristic use of quasi-folk material is well suited to the band and the rhythmic characteristics of the timpani are highlighted.
