Written for the London Sinfonietta for Oliver Knussen's 50th birthday, and first performed by members of that ensemble in 2000 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London. Recorded by Peter Kolkay, bassoon, and Maureen Gallagher, viola, on Bridge Records. The composer states: “The title of this piece was suggested by Arnold Schoenberg's short story 'To the Wharfs'in which he describes the mounting anxiety of the members of a French f ishing village as the boats and the sea-bound fisherman failed to appearafter a storm and several days' absence. When they were suddenly sighte d all shouted 'to the wharfs, aux quais, O.K.'” 3 minutes.
