Catalyst by Tracy Thomas

Catalyst is defined as a “person or thing that precipitates an event or change.”  For Thomas, this piece represented a change in his compositional direction, which before this piece had been very pattern driven and relied on consonant harmonies.  With this piece, written while Thomas was still a student at Missouri Western State University, he began using different ideas and exploring new territory.  It requires a great deal of technique and hand speed and is a blast to play.  It would make a great opener or closer to any recital.