Revelations - Michael Varner [DIGITAL]

Revelations “reveals” the incredible diversity of snare drum timbres and effects. Written for solo snare and 12 percussionists, it is essentially a snare drum concerto presenting ten unique sonic scenarios, including two cadenzas in a single, large movement.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 12 + 1
Series: N/A
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 8:55

Instrumentation
Soloist: Concert Snare Drum, Piccolo Snare Drum, Field Drum; concert sticks, marching sticks, brushes
Percussion 1: Bells, Crotales (low octave), 2 Wooden Slats; hard mallets, bass bow
Percussion 2: Xylophone, 2 Bongos, 2 Congas, Whirly Tube; hard mallets, soft mallets, snare drum sticks
Percussion 3: Chimes, High Claves, Castanets, 4 Brake Drums (or other resonant metal), Bird Whistle, Sleigh Bells
Percussion 4: Vibraphone, 2 Wooden Slats, 4 Clay Pots
Percussion 5: Vibraphone, Temple Blocks
Percussion 6: Marimba (4-octave), Small Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 7: Marimba (4-octave), Medium Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 8: Marimba (4-octave), Large Sizzle Cymbal
Percussion 9: Marimba (5-octave), Large China Cymbal
Percussion 10: 4 Timpani, Triangle, Bird Whistle, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 11: 4 Concert Toms, Hi-Hat, Lion’s Roar, Low Claves, 3 Woodblocks, Slide Whistle, Mark Tree
Percussion 12: Concert Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Impact Drum, Log Drum, Tambourine

Program Notes
Revelations for percussion orchestra and snare drum soloist combines diverse compositional concepts into an ever-changing tapestry of rhythm and color. Based on concepts of serial composition applied to both pitch and rhythm, the piece takes a relatively disparate combination of 10 pitches divided into 3 groups and over a relentlessly growing pulse “reveals” aspects unique both rhythmically and harmonically. Divided into 10 sections, Revelations begins with the full statement of the 10-note theme and then devolves into disparate individual “journeys,” each highlighting the incredible variety of possible timbres and effects available to both snare drum and the family of percussion instruments in general. Two cadenzas highlight the soloist utilizing everything from hands to the widest variety of implements, including brushes, timpani mallets, and rutes. Each of the 10 sections features a part of the serial pitches insistently growing as the elements seek to become one singular idea. The sections strive to portray emotions or scenes:

1: Sunrise, Boundless Energy
2: Deep under the Ocean
3: Dark Cavern Echoes, Water Drips off Stalactites
4: Darkness, Lost in the Forest
5: Jokingly
6: Branches in the Wind
7: Military Precision
8: Midnight, Ghostly Dark Spirits
9: Aggressive
10: Joyful
Conclusion: Breathless Rushing, Finally Exuberantly Celebrating

Rhythmically each section offers diversity and creative spirit until the final section unites all the elements into one final rush to redemption of the conflictual energy building throughout. Originally composed on the footprint of Bartók’s “Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion,” Revelations for percussion orchestra and soloist was commissioned by Jesus Martinez and premiered at the South Grand Prairie 2024 PASIC Showcase Concert.