"Ambassadors of Fortune" (1990) is a lively work for brass quintet (2 trumpets, French horn, trombone, & tuba). Its three movements are sometimes sentimental, sometimes boisterous, but always challenging, such as the closing section of "Luck is a Lady" (marked "on a roll") where there is no place to breathe for quite some time. The second and third movements are titled "Top of the Morning" and "Object of Affection", respectively. "Sand Castles" (1992) is in three haunting untitled movements and scored for solo oboe accompanied by synthesized sounds. The fast first movement builds to a florid, Middle Eastern sounding theme, and the fast third movement builds to an asymmetrical rhythm in 14. The slow central movement is the essence and heart of the work and is based upon a poignant, lyrical theme that also appears in the brief introduction and in the conclusion. "Bookends" (1990) is scored for traditional woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, & bassoon) with the addition of a bass clarinet, making six in all. The movements ("Labyrinthine Dreams" & "The Prince's Toybox") are marked by ornamented lines, rhythmic accentuation, and an abundance of tempo changes–giving a rather whimsical impression of childhood play, including at one point a temper tantrum of trills and dissonant outbursts. In "Canopy of Dreams" (1991) (string quartet: 2 violins, viola, cello), a single large movement freely utilizes several themes of contrasting character: romantic, innocent, driving Gypsy-like, playful, and mystical. "Night Covers All" (1992) is a Concerto for French Horn where the soloist is accompanied by synthesized sounds rather than the traditional orchestra. The work is a darkly atmospheric and intense exploration of the emotional extremes accompanying death. The four movements are: "Death", "Valediction", "Purification", and "Transfiguration". The work requires stamina as well as virtuosity from the soloist. The driving opening section is followed by mournful and introspective music that in the last movement culminates in a joyous celebration of life. The score is preceded by a quotation from Dylan Thomas: "Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Kenneth A. Jacobs (D.M.A. University of Texas at Austin) is a composer and artist. He has been awarded The American Prize, International New Music Composers Prize, and awards from City College of New York, Brown University, Texas Music Educators Association, and the Tennessee Music Teachers Association. The cover art is a painting by the composer titled "Rhapsody" ©1978.