Dedicated to Thor Johnson, composed under arms at Quonset Point, R.I., 19 October, 1944. Previously unpublished work, released by the estate of the composer.

Ulysses Kay (19171995), a renowned African American neoclassical composer, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942. Stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, he played saxophone and clarinet, arranged, and composed music for the Navy band.