Flourishes is one of Floyd’ most ebullient and straightforward short works. Lasting four minutes, it is a virtuoso turn for full orchestra. In 3/4, centered firmly in E Major, an eight-measure timpani solo outlines a jaunty jagged theme accompanied by soft polytonal clusters from clarinets, bassoons, and horns. Gaining volume and weight in the passacaglia fashion, with more than a hint of Ravel’s Bolero, and then a layering of all versions of the rhythmic and melodic material, ornamented with great sweeping glissandi in high winds and strings, Flourishes lives up to its title with a brilliant, impudent finish to its ninety-six measures.

— Thomas Holliday
Taken from Falling Up: the days
and nights of Carlisle Floyd