...all things hastened back to Unity uses Greek philosopher Xenophanes' quote as a basis for its structure and motivic development. From an eight measure chord progression and a single arpeggiation pattern come all melodic and rhythmic material for the work.…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
from "Carnival of the Animals"
Written for keyboard percussion sextet, Aquarium is an arrangement of Saint-Saëns’ enchanting movement of the same name from The Carnival of the Animals. Musicality is at the forefront as players are challenged with complex,…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
Matt Moore, Saint-Saens
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
The piece opens freely with a quick 32nd note pattern to be repeated ad lib with written dead strokes to be interspersed throughout. Out of this section comes a more structured multi-meter section (4/4, 7/4, 5/4, 6/4) before settling in 10/8. Independent…
Style:
Solo Works
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
After a free, improvisatory opening, Choice moves into a rhythmically exciting dance-like section in 6/8. The performer is required to play polyrhythms between the hands as if the music can’t decide whether it is in 6/8 or 2/4. It then dies down into a final…
Style:
Solo Works
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
Cohesion is a funky and fun-to-play multiple percussion piece for two performers. The core of the instrument setup is the mirrored placement of bass drum and snare, further augmented by an array of cymbals, toms, and latin percussion instruments. The many…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
Matt Moore
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
for 6 Solo Percussion…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
Traditional Latin rhythms comprise this ostinato-based piece. Player 1 acts as a soloist throughout, though the other players have improvisation opportunities as well. Includes CD accompaniment.Program NotesOne of the first pieces to notate conga technique.…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
Based on the multiple drum configurations employed by some North Indian table players, Conga Tarang takes advantage of the melodic potential of six congas.Program NotesThe use of tarang in the title is a distant reference to the multiple drum configurations…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
Each player uses three congas (quinto, tumba, and high or low conga) and ankle bells. The piece is set completely in 12/8 and provides opportunities for improvisation.Program NotesJ.B. Smith is one of the first to notate conga playing in this duet for two…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
J.B. Smith
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications
In nuclear physics, the term “critical mass” refers to the smallest amount of fissile material needed for a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Critical Mass for 12 player percussion ensemble portrays this idea as it gains, and at times loses its ability to…
Style:
Percussion
Composer:
Matt Moore
Publisher:
C. Alan Publications