I. The grass is always greener on the other side of the
fence. " The interpretation of this adage is that one always wants what
someone else has instead of accepting ones own uniqueness. During the
movement, counterpoint is used to depict one instrument copying another.
Towards the middle of the movement, tuba 2 eventually
realizes its independence and states a bold melody of its own. The
movement ends with the euphonium 1 playing its melody alone with
pauses between the phrases as if looking over its shoulder wondering
where the other musicians are.
II. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. " This setting represents a
growing love despite the emptiness of being apart. Hollow intervals of
fourths and fifths representing longing, occur at the beginning and end.
A short love duet between two instruments occurs in the middle.
III. Time flies when you are having fun. " A rollicking six-eight
meter is used to represent a childrens game of tag. There is a lot of
alternation of short phrases as if one instrument is trying to tag the
other and the other is trying to avoid being tagged. The dissonance and
short accented notes represent taunting.
IV. Every cloud has a silver lining. " This movement is a prayer-like
setting with alternation of minor and major harmonies representing the
cloud and the silver lining respectively.
V. He who hesitates is lost. " This movement is very rhythmic and
syncopated with the instruments alternating phrases in the manner of a
call and response. It calls for split-second precision between the
performers, therefore representing the adage.
VI. A rolling stone gathers no moss. " The last movement is a
perpetual motion in a rolling six-eight meter. The musical ideas are
very chromatic with the exception of main theme that appears first as a
solo melody, then as several instruments together, and later as
instruments in imitation. Towards the end, there are a few brief pauses
and low accented notes as a life of activity has a few bumps along the
way.