This work was composed as a concert opener. In the programme note, Jeffrey Bishop writes, 'The Preludio Ostinato is a short piece, so direct as to require little advance explanation. The piece grows out of the juxtaposition of two opposed ideas: swirling strokes of woodwind colour and a regular, rhythmic tramp in drums and plucked strings. A third idea is introduced into the brass where the horns join in and draw the other two ideas into discussion. The piece ends with ringing trumpets leading to an emphatic close.'