Exultation is a short and energetic concert opener that is similar to a palindrome. A fanfare opens the work, juxtaposing 3/4 and 6/8, reminiscent of Latin-American music. The main theme is first heard on the euphonium, horns and saxophones which is very bluesy. The contrasting second theme is short and spikey and played by the bass instruments of the band. A lyric melody emerges as the rest of the orchestra joins in. The second theme reappears which leads back to the ‘blues’ melody, which leads back to the opening fanfare. Palindromic!
