Modulations 1, for two vibraphones and two five-octave marimbas, was written at the request of TorQ Percussion Quartet after a workshop feature the music of Hatzis' composition students at the University of Toronto, Canada.

Two fundamental techniques are evident in this work - Hatzis' ongoing interest in metric modulation and minimalism. Metric modulations allow the music to continue to sound the same, but the notation appears differently, giving a new perspective to the performers. From this new rhythmic platform an additional pulse can easily be added, creating complex cross-rhythms. A similar approach is applied to harmonic shifts. Fundamental changes are nearly imperceptible at first; listeners only recognize in hindsight once a new element is fully realised. There are also sudden shifts, as if quickly moving faders on a mixing board to contrast this often subtle approach.