Charles Wuorinen’s WIND QUINTET (1977) is a congenially, playful one-movement work whose 15 minutes pass swiftly and provocatively. 

The unison beginning, in particular, is startlingly traditional. There is a distinct opening motive with strong tonal implications, and it stays in the ear. The pulse is perfectly firm. 

As the activity grows more complex, the five instruments go their separate ways. Eventually, their roles become entirely distinct, but never to an extent that obscures the connecting bonds.

At the end of the piece, Mr. Wuorinen slows the pace and regroups his forces at close quarters—not into unison formations, as at the outset, but into smoothly blended chords that contrast dramatically with all earlier textures. A sudden blast on the horn provides a witty close.

 Joseph Horowitz, New York Times, 26 February 1978