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Review from Percussive Notes (2021):
Gageego
David Macbride
“Gageego” is a largely unmetered multi-movement composition for flute, percussion, and piano. It is based on the fictional short story by percussionist Tom Goldstein: Gageego — The first word, a satirical origin story of human language. This ten-minute work features unique notational conventions, similar to that of Christian Wolff, where performers alternate between being “independently expressive” and coordinated musical events.
The percussionist performs on a large setup that will require special consideration for mounting instruments in a way that avoids obscuring the view to the other performers; a sample setup is provided. Additionally, the pianist also plays kick drum, and the flute player performs on tambourine and gong, with the flutist also doubling on the piccolo. Towards the end of the piece the flute player and percussionist speak the syllables “Ga-Gee-Go” in hocket while simultaneously striking one of three gongs. It is unclear if the gongs should be raised button or flat faced, or whether they should have a definite or indefinite pitch; it is assumed this choice is left up to the performer, though the piece is likely intending a Chau gong.
“Gageego” would make an interesting piece for a graduate or professional chamber recital. Before programming the piece, special consideration should be given to the lack of individual parts, considering its length, as well as the size of the percussion setup, given the lack of distinctly gratifying percussion moments. Given the previous considerations, and its being a bit tongue-incheek, the piece looks fun to learn and straightforward to put together.
—Quintin Mallette
