Mark Lortz

Break Through

Break Through is a musical representation of one's struggle to pass through a barrier or move beyond an obstacle, either a literal breakthrough or a metaphorical achievement. The composition centers around the key of G minor to achieve a sense of dark, resonant emotion. The percussion is the heartbeat  and pulse for the introduction of the piece, while the bass drum and gong rolls create a lugubrious timbre. Melodies and counter-melodies weave in and out of the musical texture. A struggle ensues leading up to the climax, following which there is a resolution to the relative major key of B-flat. Finally, there is a transition to a recapitulation of the opening theme, moving towards a contemplative ending in G minor.