The first movement is an impression of being impulsive. A lazy opening gesture suddenly explodes with energy then returns to rest.
The second movement is a portrayal of being sassy. A fast, incisive beginning is contrasted with showy, flamboyant jazz riffs.
The third movement is an expression of being sad and tipsy. The work explores pitch bends and multi-phonics.
The fourth movement is a depiction of being coquettish. The depiction features grace notes, a playful little melody, an active pursuit and a throw-away ending.
The fifth movement is a reflection on being odd, bizarre or a little quirky. The movement explores large leaps, mixed meters, an embedded fragment from the refrain of Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races,” and a blues melody. The work closes with a return to the large leaps and mixed meters.