Psappha is a work for multi-percussion by Iannis Xenakis. The work is scored for three groups of three groups of both wood and skins and three groups of metal instruments and the specific instrumentation is left up to the performer. This performance features percussion virtuoso Steve Schick.
Samuel Solomon’s program notes on Psappha can be found here. Has anyone performed this piece? What instruments did you end up using? Leave a comment below.
Originally posted on DrumChattr on November 10, 2010 by Dave Gerhart.
There is so much to know about being a musician that sometimes the little things are not addressed. Some of those “little things” are etiquette issues. As teachers, we can only do so much in lessons and ensemble rehearsals. So I’ve have decided to start a list. I would like to start an open dialogue about etiquette issues and create a comprehensive list that can be turned into a PDF that we can all share with our students. I welcome any feedback and contributions. (more…)
This video features line upon line percussion performing Missa Materialis by Ian Dicke. This performance features line upon line (Adam Bedell, Cullen Faulk, Matthew Teodori), percussion at the Outpost Concert Series at the Culver Center of the Arts on November 6, 2013.
I. Industry
II. End User
III. Prophets and Profits
IV. Plastic Deity
V. Landfill
Has anyone else played this piece? What other percussion trio pieces are out there that we should check out? Let us know.
Today’s video is a documentary by Robert Arnold about Mark Applebaum’sMetaphysics of Notation. It is a fascinating video that discusses the development and performance of this graphic notation piece. The documentary features insights by famous composers such as Brian Ferneyhough and Paul Dresher as well as performers. Composer Chris Chafe says “This was a piece of music that was very substantial import… It provided a platform or framework for musical communication. This is the essence of what any score is going to do.”
Watch the video and let us know what you think. Is this music or graphic notation or both? Have you ever played a graphic notation piece? Leave your thoughts and comments below
Lately, I have found myself interested in exploring unconventional ways of presenting a standard solo percussion recital. Having performed countless student-based recitals using traditional formatting (entrance, applause, performance, applause, exit…repeat, repeat, repeat), I sought to introduce new ways of interacting with my audience through “alternative” programming, venues, and presentation format. My first venture into this territory is my recent recital series, Vignette No. 1 for solo percussion. (more…)
In this episode we talk a bit about the animal that is being a show percussionist. Its all about the preparation! Get an inside look at what happens from the pit of Wicked… Note: (This episode originally ran on August 17th, 2009). What do you think is important when it comes to playing musicals/shows? Do you have a funny or interesting story from a past experience?
Leave your comments/stories in the comments below.
