MM
Matt Moore
Percussion
Multiple Percussion Duet | Grade 4 | 4'15"
Cohesion is a funky and fun-to-play multiple percussion piece for two performers. The core of the instrument setup is the mirrored placement of bass drum and snare, further augmented by an array of cymbals, toms, and latin percussion instruments. The many metric modulations and frequently changing time signatures keep the performers, and the audience, on their toes.
Instrumentation
Player 1 - bass drum (kick or marching), hi-hat, snare drum, bongos, ride cymbal, hi-hat, crash cymbal, splash cymbal (may be shared)
Player 2 - bass drum (kick or marching), 3 toms, snare drum, high conga, "popcorn" snare drum, China cymbal, crash cymbal, splash cymbal (may be shared)
Percussive Notes Review
This piece really puts the “fun” in funk! After a high-energy, attention grabbing introduction, this work transitions between sixteenth-note funk ideas and 12/8 grooves with little distraction. Matt Moore uses several compositional techniques to avoid creating a stereotypical groove piece. An extreme dynamic range makes for a nice musical variety in each section. These dynamics also help to mask the metric modulations that are easily understandable and are strategically placed to avoid an abundance of repetition. There is some repetition, as there should be in a groove-centric work, which will expedite the process of learning notes. However, the syncopation, hocketing, and feel required when combining the two parts will take some time to master.
Using drumset and Latin percussion instruments, the instrumentation should be available at most universities. Those searching for an explosive opener or a crowd-pleasing closer on a senior recital should give this a look. The popular nature of this work will make it easy to rehearse for hours on end.
—Darin Olsen
Percussive Notes
Vol. 51, No. 5, September 2013