A percussion piece for three performers. Split is intended to be a theater percussion work, where the visual and the aural are totally integrated. Professional and college percussionists will enjoy the challenge of the "game". Plus, the sound and sight of "dueling washboards" will capture the attention of any age audience. Three scores are needed for a performance. Duration: ca. 12'
Review from Percussive Notes:
This trio, a theater-percussion work in which the visual and the aural are totally integrated, was premiered at PASIC '95 in Phoenix. Detailed instruction and instrumentation pages prepare the performers for what is to take place in the composition. The players enter in darkness and the lights are raised when the players are in position. The only unusual instrument is a metal washboard vest as used in a Zydeco band. All the other instruments are either drum or metal sounds of the players' choice. The standard instruments are: two muted gongs, three vibraslaps, temple bell, cuica and a flexatone. Most of the composition is written out in standard notation, but the composition ends with a game response among the players that is detailed yet improvised in performance. This work would be perfect for a percussion concert in which the intent is to perform something different. Any players who decide to perform it will need to commit a great deal of time to the theater part to realize a successful performance.
-John Beck
Demo:
