Critical Mass

In nuclear physics, the term critical mass refers to the smallest amount of fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Critical Mass for 12 player percussion ensemble portrays this idea as it gains, and at times loses its ability to sustain itself over the course of the piece. Just as critical mass and a stable momentum seem to have been finally achieved in the final portion of the piece, the ensemble struggles to remain in control and finds catastrophe imminent.