Aeolian Caprices (1988)

It is an exhilarating work, showcasing the oversimplification of basic music theory that "minor keys are sad sounding". This is a work of pure joy, echoing to the more energetic parts of Stravinsky’s Firebird. Though very short, it is bursting with energy. While there is little new ground broken here, it is thoroughly enjoyable in the tradition of the neo-Romantics.

Aeolian Caprices of 1988 is another short, lively rumbustuous overture in which Mills' orchestral mastery gained from his inside knowledge of the orchestra pays high dividends again. The title refers to the fact that the piece is based on a harmonic system derived from the tones of the Aeolian mode, and 'caprices' of course reflects the playful character of the music.