This movement is devastatingly beautiful. It requires the soloist to possess not just speed, but vibrato and legato —concepts alien to most percussionists fifty years ago. The climax is a high, singing top F-sharp held over a dissonant string cluster. In performance, audiences often hold their breath here.

Born on April 21, 1944, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Emmanuel Séjourné is a French-Haitian composer and percussionist. Séjourné's musical journey began at a young age, influenced by his Haitian heritage and the rich cultural traditions of the Caribbean. He studied music in Paris, where he developed a deep appreciation for classical music and the art of composition.

: Her recording focuses on the lyrical Japanese-influenced phrasing in the second movement, highlighting the instrument’s singing quality.