Kaleidoscope features a pattern of notes, but with the order changing constantly; thus the notes, like the colored pieces of glass in a kaleidoscope, are constantly shifting, often quite subtly. This concept is manifested in a variety of ways. At the opening, rapid patterns swirl above a much slower version of the pattern in the bass. A more regular, oscillating figuration of triplets accompanies a slower version of the pattern in the bass in the second section. A short transition passage leads to a figuration of oscillating 16th notes (in the higher range) over two short (new) patterns of notes, in each case with the order of notes changing as it repeats. The opening pattern (sort of) returns, but in a bolder presentation. This pattern is continued in the bass, accompanied by slower chords in the higher range (the order of which also changes as it proceeds). Under this, the pedal (bass) part features a new figure, based mostly on a set of five pithces, but in various orders. Several contrasting sections follow, each based on various orders of a small group of notes or chords [letters D, E, F, and G]. Finally, there is a more literal return of the opening pattern [letter H], at first featuring the original order of notes presented at the beginning, but at a rather frenetic tempo. (This is the only time that the actual order of notes repeats in the whole piece!) Further permutations of the pattern follow. Soon the music loses momentum, ascends slightly, and ends with a relatively gentle flourish.

—The GCNA