Three Drum Quartets from “Earth and the Great Weather” Movement 1  (1993)

Rising like the mountain ranges above the Aeolian plains of “Earth and the Great Weather” are three large pieces for four drummers. These quartets are constructed of asymmetrical rhythmic cells abstracted from traditional Inupiat and Gwich’in dance music, which I have admired for many years.

The principal text is a set of eight Arctic Litanies, composed of the names of places, plants, weather and the seasons of the Arctic. Gwich’in and Inupiat names speak vividly with deep knowledge and intimate experience, evoking an authentic poetry of place. In the last two litanies, Latin is included (the scientific binomials for plants and animals), primarily for its contrasting color and rhythmic texture.

Indigenous peoples have long understood the extraordinary powers of certain landscapes. For those of us who have lost or forgotten our intimate connections with such places, the Arctic is a vast and enduring geography of hope. Somewhere out in that far country of imagination and desire lie the foundations of my own faith.”

—John Luther Adams

first melt (2024)

“first melt” is inspired by David Hockney’s video piece,“The four seasons, Woldgate Woods (Spring 2011, Summer 2010, Autumn 2010, Winter 2010).”  This work draws its narrative influence from the transition of winter into spring, thinking of the building of kinetic energy within ice that eventually causes its crystals to melt. Throughout the course of first melt, materials and melodies accumulate, compress, and celebrate jubilantly before breaking down into a pool of resonant, lush vibraphone sustained chords.

—Max Vinetz

(This will be the first performance since the piece was premiered by Sō Percussion in 2024.)

Entresons.Recreo (2009)

I am very attracted to the idea of music as an environment. In “Entresons.Recreo”, I want to create territories and a sense of journey. The listener (traveler) actively discovers his surroundings – the colors, the contours, the temperatures, the elements, and the overall geography.

The word Entresons is a neologism that combines the words “entre” (meaning either to enter or between) and “sons (sounds). It basically describes what the piece is about: sonic matter appearing and departing in multiple fashions and the listener being immersed at the center of the environment created.  Each percussionist is virtually treated like a source of energy. What springs into being is a mixture of sensorial stimuli (coming from delicate metals, water, voice, piercing whistles, internal rhythms, etc), and the imaginary behind the soundscapes.  ———-

—Alexandre Lunsqui

Portal (2023)

“Portal” was inspired by the landscapes and energy of New Mexico, particularly the towns of Santa Fe, Taos, and Angel Fire. Every drive between these eternal townships, and every hike or run through the hills and mountains felt as if there were mystical forces emitting boosts of intense energy and inspiration. The culmination of dizzying altitudes, mesmerizing landscapes, exciting musicians, and perpetual portals to other dimensions (at least in my mind) all contributed to this piece.

“Portal” may be performed by any combination or number of instruments and performers. It is encouraged that the musicians make it their own by exploring individualized timbres, articulations, dynamics, and orchestrations, while possibly incorporating moments of subtle improvisations. The world premiere of “Portal” was performed by the 18 amazing musicians for the 40th Anniversary of Music from Angel Fire, directed by Tara Helen O’Connor and Danny Phillips, in 2023.

—Andy Akiho