Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.935379
Composed by Dan Heslink. Contemporary,World. Score and parts. 30 pages. Pharaoh Publications #4978359. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935379).
Asian Symmetries by Dan Heslink
Asian Symmetries is a fanciful work which draws loosely from the musical procedures and sonic preferences of Indonesian and other Asian musical styles. It is scored for three percussionists, each with their own battery of instruments. Gamelan-like impressions might be inferred from the cyclical nature of its rhythm, using metal plates like cymbals and gongs to mark large units of rhythmic time. Also evocative are the faster moving elaborations and a preponderance of metallophones in the instrumentation.
The work is medium to difficult in its demands. There are quick changes of instrument, planned to be manageable but requiring some attention to logistics Each player’s performance station must remain stationary, with all instruments in reach without moving the performer’s position. Percussion I and Percussion III players must set up next to each other so that they may share the tenor drum. A selection of mallets that allows different striking surfaces to sound good without undue picking up and setting down of mallets is suggested.
Changes of meter and tempo occur, and an odd meter section sporting measures in 12/8, 6/8, 11/8 may require some additional attention. The instrumentation is selected to approximate Asian sounds with common western instruments. Performance time is 6:28. The composer, Dan Heslink, can be reached at dan@dheslink.com.
