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• Genre: Orchestral
• Date of Composition: 1983
• Commission information: National Centre for Orchestral Studies with funds from Greater London Arts
• Instrumentation: 3(pic)3(ca)3(3cl)3(cba)/4331/timp4perc/hp/pno/str
• Piece Duration: 20
• Publisher: Novello

Contrasts was originally commissioned by the National Centre for Orchestral Studies and was first performed by their symphony orchestra conducted by Adrian Leaper (under the title of Greenwich Dances) in May 1983. A revised version was given its premiere by the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, in January 1989. The final revision took place (now under its present title) specially for the recording on the Classico label by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, in 2002.

The work is in three movements, which all share common musical material. The first movement (Intada - majestically) opens with a four-note horn call, joined by the rest of the brass and percussion. This fanfare-like introduction leads into an aggressive 6/8 dance, the main theme of which is an extension of the opening horn call. The climax of this section is punctuated by a percussion 'break', leading into a slow, lyrical section, with solos for wind, which are eventually broken up by muted brass. A short reprise of the first section ends the movement.

The second movement (Elegy: slow and thoughtful) is the heart of the work. Its highly melodic style moves to a central arched climax, subsiding into a 12-note passacaglia with brief solos for horn, flute and clarinet.

The final movement returns to the dance-like mood of the first movement, this time in the form of a lively Toccata (fast and rhythmic). It opens with another percussion 'break' and unfolds as its main idea repeated melodic figures in changing time patterns. A slower middle section follows where the melodic and rhythmic ideas are developed (pizzicato strings answered by woodwind, later brass). The music gains momentum and returns to the matreial of the opening of the movement, this time more assertively and with a stronger driving energy. The work ends with a short but triumphant reprise of the opening horn call.

The nature of the work is closely associated with its original purpose, which was to write a display piece for orchestra. The many contrasting orchestral textures and changing moods give rise to the title of the work.

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