PUBLISHER: M.O.T.I.F. - Music of the Introspective Fields (ASCAP)
INSTRUMENTATION: glockenspiel, suspended cymbal; vibraphone; crotales, small suspended cymbal and sizzle cymbal; celesta OR vibraphone II
DURATION: ca. 6-8 minutes
WORLD PREMIERE: April 14, 2016 - Brian Burr, Steven Murtonen, Josh Blessing, Josh Trentadue; Fairchild Theater, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
WINNER OF THE 2017 NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CALL FOR SCORES
INSTRUMENTATION: glockenspiel, suspended cymbal; vibraphone; crotales, small suspended cymbal and sizzle cymbal; celesta OR vibraphone II
DURATION: ca. 6-8 minutes
WORLD PREMIERE: April 14, 2016 - Brian Burr, Steven Murtonen, Josh Blessing, Josh Trentadue; Fairchild Theater, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
WINNER OF THE 2017 NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE CALL FOR SCORES
PROGRAM NOTES
Luminescent Experiments is the continuation of a series of sketches designed specifically for a percussion quartet. Each sketch focuses on a specific emotion, action, or state of mind. This one in particular explores the possibilities of attempting to reach a state of enlightenment beyond all comprehension or meaning.
The goal in composing this piece was to bring out the most illuminating and introspective qualities of each instrument in the quartet. I liked the challenge in writing for such a mixed ensemble (in this sketch, the different timbres of several different kinds of metallic percussion) and finding the right balance for each player (and the group as a whole) in the process. As such, the development of the piece is more about its overall soundscape as opposed to thematic material, even though the latter is present throughout.
The structure of the piece begins and ends freely out of time in a reflective state of mind, bridged by a middle section that experiences a burst of energy and bright colors. It also begins and ends in another similar manner - appearing from silence and ebbing away to nothing.
The goal in composing this piece was to bring out the most illuminating and introspective qualities of each instrument in the quartet. I liked the challenge in writing for such a mixed ensemble (in this sketch, the different timbres of several different kinds of metallic percussion) and finding the right balance for each player (and the group as a whole) in the process. As such, the development of the piece is more about its overall soundscape as opposed to thematic material, even though the latter is present throughout.
The structure of the piece begins and ends freely out of time in a reflective state of mind, bridged by a middle section that experiences a burst of energy and bright colors. It also begins and ends in another similar manner - appearing from silence and ebbing away to nothing.
Luminescent Experiments was included in the program for the
2016 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION STUDIO TOUR
and was subsequently performed at the following locations:
Holt High School; Holt, Michigan
Leslie High School; Leslie, Michigan
Chippewa Middle School; Okemos, Michigan
Novi Middle School; Novi, Michigan
Emerson School; Ann Arbor, Michigan
Luminescent Experiments was also performed for the Michigan State University Percussion Ensemble's
IPEC Showcase Concert at the 2017 PASIC convention in Indianapolis.
2016 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PERCUSSION STUDIO TOUR
and was subsequently performed at the following locations:
Holt High School; Holt, Michigan
Leslie High School; Leslie, Michigan
Chippewa Middle School; Okemos, Michigan
Novi Middle School; Novi, Michigan
Emerson School; Ann Arbor, Michigan
Luminescent Experiments was also performed for the Michigan State University Percussion Ensemble's
IPEC Showcase Concert at the 2017 PASIC convention in Indianapolis.