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Whiplash - Aaron Ward [DIGITAL SET]
Genre: Percussion Ensemble
# of Players: 4
Level: Medium | Duration: 4:15
Publisher: C. Alan Publications | Copyright: 2020
Download mp3 | Click on images to left for score sample
Rating:
Price:
$36.00
Item #:
27100D
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Notes & Instrumentation
Whiplash is an exciting work for percussion quartet that showcases an ensemble’s aggression and finesse. The intensity of the piece is sure to thrill audiences and performers alike.
Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Level: Medium | Duration: 4:15
Instrumentation
Percussion 1: Kick Drum, 2 Congas, Bongos, Mounted Tambourine
Percussion 2: Kick Drum, Timbales, Bongos, Vibraphone
Percussion 3: Kick Drum, Bongos, Ride Cymbal, Glockenspiel
Percussion 4: Kick Drum, Bongos, Brake Drum, Ride/Suspended Cymbal [may share Perc. 3's cymbal], Opera Gong, Marimba (5-octave)
Program Notes
Whiplash is a work for percussion quartet composed in the spring of 2019. The piece was originally written to have 7 parts, including keyboard parts throughout. Eventually the instrumentation was condensed down to a quartet and more drums and auxiliary percussion instruments were added to cover melodic themes originally written for keyboard instruments. The result is a unique work in which the performer must project complex melodic themes using a wide variety of different instruments throughout the piece. Whiplash relies heavily upon the combination of contrasting 3 and 4 note patterns to create a unique sense of time for the listener. The title Whiplash was inspired by the feeling of intense uncertainty which can be felt when driving at high speeds in heavy traffic. -
Product Reviews
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Percussive Notes New Literature Review
“Whiplash” is a groovy, bombastic, drum heavy quartet that joins the pantheon of pseudo-drum set/multi-percussion ensembles that have been popular in recent years. Written by a percussionist, the piece is notated with instrument changes and technique needs in mind, and as such fits ergonomically under the players’ hands. The stars of the show are the vibraphone and glockenspiel parts in the middle section of the piece, which add a cool melody element that is highly theme driven. The marimba part doesn’t overshadow the melody and acts as a rhythmic ostinato. This quieter section comes in just as the listener needs a change and prevents the drum parts from becoming monotonous.
The technique called for in “Whiplash” is straightforward. The rhythms are mostly square with accents creating syncopation. The vibraphone and marimba parts call for four-mallet playing, while the glockenspiel part uses two mallets. Player 1 stays on drums throughout. This would be a nice addition to an undergraduate or advanced high school percussion ensemble concert. The parts aren’t overly challenging, but they provide plenty of opportunity to work on cohesion, steady tempo, articulation, and chops.
Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 59, No. 6, December 2021 Marilyn K. Clark Silva on Jul 6th 2022
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