"with brightness round about it" is a melodic, tonal work that develops largely through the use of minimalist techniques, which combine with extensive use of percussion and piano to create an exotic atmosphere throughout the development section.

The work begins very softly with lush, gentle sounds that underlie a thematic line divided among several instruments. The smaller motives that are created through these divisions then combine to form a collage, which in turn becomes background material for the introduction of a dreamy, ethereal piano solo. The mood suddenly shifts with an outburst in the woodwinds as the theme is stated forcefully in the brass. After the minimalist development section, a recapitulation of this forte section is stated. Following a grand climax, the work concludes softly with the piano solo gradually fading into silence. —N.G.

Ms. Galbraith's "with brightness round about it" was the best work on the disk; it showed her ability to use minimalism with skill and subtlety. —American Record Guide (1997)

Ms. Galbraith has a real flair for band writing: this should become an important part of the college wind ensemble repertory. —American Record Guide (1996)