Whiplash

Whiplash is an exciting work for percussion quartet that showcases an ensemble’s aggression and finesse. The intensity of the piece is sure to thrill audiences and performers alike.

Program Notes

Whiplash is a work for percussion quartet composed in the spring of 2019. The piece was originally written to have 7 parts, including keyboard parts throughout. Eventually the instrumentation was condensed down to a quartet and more drums and auxiliary percussion instruments were added to cover melodic themes originally written for keyboard instruments. The result is a unique work in which the performer must project complex melodic themes using a wide variety of different instruments throughout the piece. Whiplash relies heavily upon the combination of contrasting 3 and 4 note patterns to create a unique sense of time for the listener. The title Whiplash was inspired by the feeling of intense uncertainty which can be felt when driving at high speeds in heavy traffic.

Grade Level: Medium
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Percussion 1: Kick Drum, 2 Congas, Bongos, Mounted Tambourine
Percussion 2: Kick Drum, Timbales, Bongos, Vibraphone
Percussion 3: Kick Drum, Bongos, Ride Cymbal, Glockenspiel
Percussion 4: Kick Drum, Bongos, Brake Drum, Ride/Suspended Cymbal [may share Perc. 3's cymbal], Opera Gong, Marimba (5-octave)