Mutances II allows the bass clarinet to express itself, in successive phrases, across the whole of its range. It begins pp and arrives at ff after a grand crescendo. The rhythm is very free, although precisely notated: this piece derives substantially from improvisation. There is a layer of indeterminate clusters in the lower register of the piano, onto which are grafted sharply accented notes whose purpose is to allow the overtones of the background layer to emerge.
"Mutances II" is intended to give prominence to the expressive ability and communication skills of the performer. It can be used at an advanced level, as a technical study, as a competition piece, or in the setting of a public performance.