Three Inventions for Chamber Orchestra was first performed by the Ensemble Modern at the 1995 Salzburg Festival. Three movements - two short and one longer - make up its 15-minute span. The first, dedicated to Olivier Messiaen, is diaphanous and serene; the second energetically rhythmic in character. The last movement, dedicated to Alexander Goehr, is brooding and ceremonial, with gongs and tam-tams placed either side of the stage. There are distinctive solos for cor anglais, contrabassoon, euphonium and flugelhorn.

"...music that grows naturally and effortlessly out of its melodic germs, and grows with absolute certainty in ever-changing instrumental colours."
The Guardian (Andrew Clements) 20 August 1997