Nothing That Breathes (Excerpts) by John Nichols III

Completed in 2015, "Nothing That Breathes" is an electronic music composition with underlying references to wind and breath. The title refers to both the predictable and unpredictable quality of nature, including humankind. Structured into two halves, the composition reflects the dual relationship between the “wind among the deities and the breath among vital functions” (Chandogya Upanishad, trans. Patrick Olivelle). This universal theme is also seen in the book of Ezekiel, “Say to the wind... Come from the four winds. O breath, and breathe...” (Chapter 37). The sustained sonorities in "Nothing That Breathes," which may be construed to symbolize the omnipresence of wind, are layered with quickly passing events. As the composition progresses, pulsing elements resembling the rhythms of breathing are introduced. Moreover, much of the sustained material is derived from the human breath in the form of wind instruments and singing. The composer is grateful to the many musicians (there are too many to mention here) that participated in studio recording sessions and contributed to this composition.