The Doldrums is an area of the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure area around the equator where the prevailing winds are calm. Some of that air returns to the Doldrums through the trade winds. This process can lead to light or variable winds and more severe weather, in the form of heavy squalls, thunderstorms and hurricanes.

Of course, when one is 'In the Doldrums' emotionally, they experience a period of being sad or bored and with no energy or enthusiasm.

Composition-wise, there's quite a lot in the way of texture, rhythmic polyphony and polyrhythm.

Instrumentation: Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, 2 English Horns in F, B-Flat Clarinet, B-Flat Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 2 French Horns in F, Euphonium, Suspended Cymbals, Gong, Bell Tree, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells, Harp, Piano, Celeste, 2 Solo Violins, Solo Viola, Solo Cello, Solo Double Bass, Violin I, Violin II, Viola I, Viola II, Celli I, Celli II, Double Bass I, Double Bass II