Somewhat more adventurous in its use of the bass clarinet than Pillvestre's "Offertoire," the "Evocation" of Alexander Sylvain Petit is similar to it in its overall form. Sixty-seven measures in length, it begins with a recitative introduction followed by a melodic air marked andante mysterioso. The melody becomes rather passionate with some large leaps and dynamic range of p to ff. The range of three octaves and a minor second, from E to f'', uses all the registers, thought the predominating tessitura is the fifth between a and e', in which 48% of the melody lies. The percentages of range use are:

The tonality is F major. French notation is used.

This is the first of several published pieces written for Pierre Sainte-Marie, the bass clarinetist of the Concerts Colonne orchestra. It calls for expressive playing, smooth legato, and good control of the instrument throughout its range, up to and including the altissimo register. Sainte-Marie appears to have been a very convincing performer on the bass clarinet, certainly the first in Paris to inspire several lyrical compositions for his instrument. He may have originally performed this piece with orchestra, because cues in the bass clarinet part indicate that an orchestral version of the accompaniment existed in addition to the piano version.

Alexandre Sylvain Petit (1864-1925) was a composer and Professor at the conservatory of music of Paris. He also was Cornet solo de la Garde républicaine and of the Concerts Colonne and solo trumpet in the Opéra de Paris.