Whirlwind

This driving, perpetual motion work for percussion ensemble is quite a departure for David Gillingham. Lightning fast interplay between the 8 players makes for a thrill ride that will leave you begging for more.

Program Notes

Whirlwind is based on motives derived from a mixture of the Lydian and Mixolydian modes using the lower pentachord of the Lydian scale and the upper quadrachord of the Mixolydian scale.

The work is virtually perpetual motion driven by continuous 16th notes. The motion is interrupted a couple times within the course of the piece, but hints of the 16th note motion still remain. After the introduction ad the initial statement of the three motives, the piece continually alternates and develops the motives in a sort of Baroque "Fortspinnung" manner. The motion drives to a grand moment where Motive 2 is stated in a grandioso style at measure 174. A sweet reminiscence of Motive 3 follows and segues into a rousing coda.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2010
Number of Players: 8
Duration: 6:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Octet
Category: Percussion

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Instrumentation

Percussion 1 (bells, xylophone, vibraphone, crotales, crash cymbals)
Percussion 2 (vibraphone, chimes)
Percussion 3 (temple blocks, brake drum, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, tam tam, bongos)
Percussion 4 (4 toms, small bass drum, congas, hi hat, crash cymbals)
Marimba 1 (4 octave)
Marimba 2 (4 octave)
Marimba 3 (4 octave)
Marimba 4 (5 octave)