Présages consists of a theme, seven variations and a coda that returns to the opening material. Throughout, it reflects Lutyens’ interest in lyrical serial techniques where strict applications of those rules are not to be found in any substantive way, but do allow for each variation to be highly characterised through repeated pitches, or series of pitches; from lyrical, dynamically wide registral leaps, to capricious, virtuosic tonguing, this is music that demands of the oboist a strong attention to detail to make each variation breathe. This is a work that should be in the central repertory of the contemporary oboist.