This eerie composition employs colors and harmonies rarely found at this level. Based on harmonic illusions where notes seem to drift out of context, Mind Games introduces low-1 fingerings in a pedagogical way, encouraging students to maintain a relaxed wrist. The Cello section is introduced to easy backward extensions, and bass players see some simple 1st finger shifting. Brian Balmages has written an extremely colorful work full of imagery equally suited as a festival piece or lighter work. (2:15).
