Breaking Point by Rob Smith

Breaking Point was written for percussionist Blake Wilkins and premiered at a concert he presented at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in the summer of 2008. His program was designed to relate to their exhibitions of the moment, which consisted of contemporary ceramic and metal sculptures. These exhibits are represented by the use of clay pots, brake drums, cowbell, splash cymbal, and a coffee can. The clay pots are used primarily at the center of the work, as a temporary relief from the relentless energy of the outer sections.