In each part, melodies are introduced, usually by a single instrument (viola for women and cello for men), a recording of the spoken phrase from which the melody derives is played. The melody is then developed for a while, with the instruments playing along with the recording of the phrase or part of the phrase. The music for the strings makes extensive use of paradiddle rhythms, with alternating pitches instead of alternating drum sticking. In addition to speech, the piece includes recordings of train sounds, as well as of sirens and warning bells, and prerecorded multiple lines by the string quartet, thus effectively creating four quartets out of one, reflective of three "Counterpoint" pieces that preceded it: "Vermont Counterpoint" for multiple multitracked flutes, "New York Counterpoint" for multiple multitracked clarinets, and "Electric Counterpoint" for multiple multitracked electric guitars.