Some of my fondest childhood memories come from carnivals. Blazing lights, looping rides, costumed actors, and junk food merge in an atmosphere of carefree amusement that kids relish and adults remember fondly.

In Carnival, listeners and performers are taken on a joyride of rhythmic energy and interplay between the instrumental parts. The opening syncopated motives introduce an enthusiasm that pervades the entire piece in mood as well as musical context, evoking a feeling of exhilaration much like those midway adventures.