Benjamin Taylor Music Shattering Infinity - Taylor - Concert Band - Gr. 4

Composer: Benjamin Dean Taylor
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Level: 4

Fractals have always intrigued me. For those unfamiliar with their beauty, I invite you to do a Google image search for "Fractal Natalie Kelsey". (Natalie Kelsey is one of my favourite fractal artists!) The basic premise of a fractal is an infinitely repeating pattern that looks the same at every scale. Fractals are a common phenomena in nature as exhibited in seashells, ferns, crystals, and snow flakes. In composing this piece, I set out to explore what a musical fractal might sound like. Shattering Infinity is centred around a five note recurring riff; C, B-flat, E-flat, F, G. This pattern is found in the large-scale dimension (each section of the work is centred in each respective key area) and also in the small-scale; basslines and melodies are founded on this pattern. The title, Shattering Infinity was suggested by the students in the 2014 Wind Ensemble of the University of Portland, who under the direction of their conductor, Patrick Murphy, led the consortium commission for this work. I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each of the band directors (and all of their students) who joined this consortium. Thank you for supporting the creation of new wind band music! - Benjamin Dean Taylor