Written for Flute, English Horn, Viola, and Piano, BREATHE is a composition about synchronization between the players. With no actual meter to rely on, the players must be aware of each other at all times to cut off and enter together. That is where the title of this piece comes in. The breath is one of the essential aspects of playing, for all instruments. Breathing is a surefire way to let the other players know when to come in. The piece also flows as deep breaths in and out, starting with a flute and viola, using falls at the ends of their phrases to mimic exhalation. 

From Thomas’s Program Note