Pieces of Glass, an octet for clarinet, bassoon, French horn, tuba, violin, violoncello, marimba, and piano, consists of three quasi-programmatic movements each depicting a physical property of glass.

The compositional language is derived from both traditional and contemporary harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic principles and techniques.  An important characteristic of the harmonic language is the independent use of major and minor triadic structures which have been removed from their traditional reliance on key and mode.  Musical direction is then produced by the creation of various new progressions and patterns of the triads.

The construction of melody is related to this non-functional triadic principle and freely follows the predetermined harmonic patterns.  Complementing the harmonic and melodic language is the utilization of additive and traditional rhythmic presentations.  In the construction of both melody and accompaniment, rhythmic alternations of two or three beat groupings provide the motivation for musical expression.  The result effect is spontaneous rhythmic energy.

Instrumentation:  Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Tuba, Violin, Violoncello, Marimba, and Piano

Duration:  16 minutes