Basques and Bowheads surrounds two groups and their co-existence: the Basque population that lived during the 16th century on the coast between the current borders of Spain and France, and a breed of whale they hunted: the bowhead.

The first movement is meant to depict the harsh and dangerous action of whaling that the Basque people involved themselves with for trade and sport. The second movement begins deep below the ocean surface where the bowheads reside, you will be able ot hear the trombone mimic their call. The final movement is a confrontation between the two groups: an actual whaling event.

Written for Kirk Johnson