"Ardent Quest" evokes the excitement of a mythic quest. Bold rhythmic patterns, a heroic primary theme, and energetic percussion parts set an adventurous tone at the opening. A contrasting, lyrical secondary theme has a mystical quality and features the woodwinds. A call-and-response middle section evokes a stirring clash of characters as percussion and winds duel. Finally, the secondary theme returns but in a sweeping, epic style that takes the piece to a rousing, rhythmic conclusion.