Two Modal Episodes: Oboe

The first modal episode begins with a chant-like melody in G Aeolian mode (natural minor) that is reminiscent of early medieval music. The full brass section answers with simple block chords that accentuate the modal tonality. The Allegro that follows is set in B-flat Mixolydian mode (major scale with a flatted seventh). A dance-like melody dominates this episode and the percussion section is featured in a simple question-and-answer exchange.