This work serves as a standalone piece, but is also Movement 3 of Joy and Its Companions.

Shatter was composed as a challenge to myself; inspired by a combination of hearing one of my students say “four four is boring”, and from wanting to explore a new harmonic system based on a 9 note scale. The piece features a haunting low brass solo with a new time signature in nearly every measure. Once the pulse is established by a quick ostinato, the piece takes off with rapid odd meter phrasing and rhythmic hits from the ensemble further solidifying the off-kilter dance the piece is built upon. Melodies are thrown between sections, and dramatic harmonies swell as themes and solos continue to develop. A lush five voice chorale provides a reprieve from the chaotic rhythms and harmonies, before eventually returning to the opening low brass solo and a mysterious resolution.

GRADE 5:

Shatter includes many challenging rhythms, dense harmonies, and complicated technical passages. This piece is an excellent choice for advanced ensembles to explore odd meters, changing meters, and tonicizing unusual harmonies.

Currently scored for:

• Two flutes

• Two Clarinets in Bb

• Bassson

• Trumpet in Bb

• Euphonium

Re-orchestrations, and level adjustments available upon request.