Program Notes
Collision is an octet divided by family into four duos: woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion. Throughout the piece, each instrumental pair plays similar or at least complimentary material. On a larger level, the percussion takes on a very prominent role in the piece and the other instruments tend to provide commentary or accompaniment to it. However, as the piece nears its mid-point, the instrumentalists become more prominent and eventually take over the leadership role entirely for the middle section. The final section features a balanced relationship between all the players. Each performer is now independent and contributes to a more complex texture. The music reaches a final intense climax that utilizes the entire sonic force of the ensemble.