PERCUSSION in Ensembles
Mixed Quartets:
Mood Rondo (4/20/23) for quartet of flute, clarinet, percussion, and piano – 7’00”. Percussion set includes Tom-toms, Wood Blocks, Vibraphone, Tambourine and Triangle. The form of the piece is roughly that of a seven-part rondo in which the opening theme is interrupted by several contrasting themes but reappears between them. However, my focus was not on form but on emotional impact. Each section creates its own mood. For instance, the sections with tom-toms are tense compared to the lighter, more lyric sections featuring vibraphone. Overall, the work proceeds from darker to brighter emotions. MIDI recording.
Ionic Motion in Alkali Borate Glass (2/10/18) for oboe, English horn, clarinet and marimba – 6’20”. The single largest use of boron compounds in the world is the production of certain types of boron-treated glass fiber for insulating and structural fiberglass.Two on Five (11/22/17) for percussion duo on timpani, marimba, snare drum, suspended cymbals and triangle – 4’30”. The work features timpani and marimba with snare drum, suspended cymbal and triangle added for color. It is engaging without being programmatic. MIDI recording.
Fantasy for Four (12/20/2013) for soprano sax, viola, bassoon and xylophone – 4’45”. This is a short, abstract work studying the interplay between various timbers and textures. While it is tonal, it violates established rules of tonality in various subtle ways. The expression of the work should be calm and contemplative. There is no obvious climax to the work, nor should there be. MIDI recording.
Perceptions of Time (3/24/13) for violin, clarinet and two marimbas or two clarinets and two marimbas – 10’50”. The work is inspired by the first movement, “Tempus fugit”. I was struck by the illusion of speed, of the notion that “time flies.” The repeated notes from the marimba and the rapidly rising material first heard from the clarinet and marimba create a sense of driving motion. A slow, middle section acts as a respite or island of calm. “Fleeting Interlude” is an adagio movement. “Dream Time” begins quietly, as sleep begins, with the clarinets in a dialog. A recurrent theme interrupts from the two marimbas acting as punctuation between the remaining “dream” states. There are five “dream” states in all. The last of these is a duet between the clarinets with a simple, chordal accompaniment passing from one marimba to the other as the music becomes quieter. MIDI recording.
Mixed Quintets:
Little Symphonette (8/6/17) for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and solo timpani – 10’30”. The piece consists of four short movements. Throughout the work, the timpani play a major role, somewhat akin to a soloist. To the extent that there is a program, the timpani player is its protagonist. “Arrivals” begins the story. There is an element of anticipation in the opening with its composite rhythm of nearly unrelenting sixteenth notes. A contrasting slow section begins with a dialog between winds and timpani. “Relationships” starts with quarter-note movement in the woodwinds and the timpani in the background. A timpani solo interrupts before the opening returns. “Dance” puts the timpani in charge again. The timpanist is challenged by frequent, fast pitch changes that require muscle memory tuning. “Finale” begins with a fanfare motive that is reinforced by the entry of the timpani. MIDI recording.
Mixed Octets:
Citta di’Udine (2010) for flute/piccolo, B-flat clarinet/bass clarinet, 2 percussion on Snare Drum, Wood Block, Triangle and Suspended Cymbals, piano and string quartet – 7’40”. This work is based largely on memories of a stay in Italy in 1975. I was staying with friends in a villa in the hills about five miles from the city. We were young, and it was the first time in a foreign country. Everything was an adventure, whether it was searching for portabella mushrooms in the forest or buying bread and cheese in the open market. This piece attempts to capture the joy of youth and adventure when everything was new, and life appeared to have no limits. MIDI recording.
Mixed Ten Performers:
Semper Fi (2014) for flute, trumpet, 2 trombones, tuba, cello and four percussion on 1)Tenor Drum, 2)Marimba and Chimes, 3) Tambourine, Bass Drum & Snare Drum, 4) Xylophone and Glockenspiel– 9’45”. I have always admired the courage and conviction of the Marine Corps. Their loyalty to one another and to the corps creates a comradery that is powerful and patriotic. The three movements of this work represent different aspects of the life of a marine. MIDI recording.