This is not descriptive music: the tournament is within the band!
In the first movement, small groups of instruments are featured – mainly in duets and trios – in a kind of “conversation piece”.
The second movement is in the form of a Theme with Variations, the band’s main soloists being given a chance to show their paces.
In the final Scherzo there is more general ensemble playing, although soloists again carry some of the responsibility.
