Two Movements for Orchestra is scored for a medium-sized orchestra and consists of two contrasting movements that are played without pause. The first movement is marked Largo. It opens with an idea in the strings that is developed throughout the movement. The second movement is marked Allegro vivace. It exploits the development of short motives. Material derived from both movements is used in the bridge that connects them.
Two Movements for Orchestra has features of a narrative stylistic approach, but is not a programmatic work. Dramatic elements such as solo passages and abrupt dynamic changes are used in a purely abstract way. In general, the work features a predilection for a free atonal approach with regard to the use of pitch classes and avoids any obvious references to the tonal system. While there is no predetermined hierarchy of pitches, specific sections contain pitches that are more significant than others. The duration of Two Movements for Orchestra is approximately 14½ minutes.
