Shifting Cells

This driving percussion quartet features a constantly changing sense of pulse that can be found in many genres of music, including East African folk music, Balinese Gamelan ensembles, medieval isorhythmic motets and even American rudimental drumming.

Program Notes

The inspiration for Shifting Cells is a constantly changing sense of pulse that can be heard in many types of music. Diverse sources such as East African folk music, Balinese Gamelan ensembles, medieval isorhythmic motets and, surprisingly, American rudimental drummers all employ the technique. Also common to these diverse genres is the idea of tempo modulation. This creates the illusion of a change of speed when there, in fact, is none. While listening to this piece the audience will hear a gradual slowing followed by an even greater sense of acceleration. The performers achieve this through the precise execution of rhythmic integral ratios thereby eliminating the need for a conductor or visual cues. The pitch content is based exclusively on the pentatonic scale, which is in keeping with the work’s multicultural origins. Hopefully, the various techniques involved will create a sense of constant renewal as new ideas appear, grow stronger, and recede within a seamless texture. The work was commissioned by and dedicated to Dr. Paul Vaillancourt and the Columbus State University Percussion Ensemble.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2011
Number of Players: 4
Duration: 6:50
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Quartet
Category: Percussion

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Instrumentation

Percussion 1 (Vibraphone, EFX Cymbal (sub. Splash), Piccolo Woodblock (sub. Small Woodblock), Bongos)
Percussion 2 (Vibraphone, Glockenspiel, Floor Tom (or Large Drum)*, Concert Bass Drum, China Cymbal, Guiro, 2 Triangles)
Percussion 3 (Marimba (4.3-oct), Crotales (high oct), Bass Drum**, Small Gong***, Piccolo Snare Drum, Small Woodblock, Shekere, Triangle)
Percussion 4 (Marimba (5-oct), Crotales (low oct), Timbales, Hi-Hat, Large Suspended Cymbal, Large Tam-Tam, Medium Woodblock)