A Tear in the Fabric of Time is essentially a symphony for brass band and was inspired by the book The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene, which attempts to simplify complex ideas in modern physics for the layperson.  This piece was dedicated to and written for the Buy As You View Band but was first performed by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, conducted by Robert Childs in Summer 2006.  The work is featured by the Cory Band on their recording The Promised Land (DOYCD218).

A brassy, fanfare like introduction provides much of the material for the rest of the work.

This leads into a dramatic 'Allegro' driving forward with brittle motives and stabbing chords.  A euphonium melody accompanied by divided basses attempts to mellow the mood, but is unsuccessful as the music drives ruthlessly on!  The centre of the work is a choral like Adagio; maybe the blackness of space or the darkness of human nature.  A short episode leads into a 'Presto' which is a reworking of the first 'Allegro' relentlessly careering to a violent end!  [Gareth Wood, 2006]