As its title implies, Concertini comprises a series of short movements and features the alternation of solo and tutti sections. The movements range in length from one to four minutes; total duration is about 22 minutes. The work exists in two versions: the original orchestral version, commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony, and a version for 15 instruments. To achieve unity and coherence in a work with so many disparate parts, all the movements share an ever-varying cantus firmus, as well as motivic and thematic elements. Gestures are echoed and transformed; conflicts revealed in one movement are heightened or resolved in another. The featured instruments for each movement are: I: Low strings, piano, timpani, bassoon; II: Tutti; III: Brass; IV: Tutti; V: Piccolo, oboe, clarinet; VI: Violin; VII: Violin, viola; VIII: Tutti; IX: Trumpet; X: Tutti. While the movements are interrelated, each has its own character.