Dissonant Oscillations (Percussion Quartet)

Dissonant Oscillations is a percussion quartet centered around dissonant intervals moving throughout the ensemble. Each player has a portion of the piece where they play a mallet instrument and a drum, so there is something for every percussionist to enjoy.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 3:45

Instrumentation
Player 1: Xylophone, Low Conga
Player 2: Vibraphone, Bongos
Player 3: Marimba [4-octave*], 2 Medium Toms
Player 4: Marimba [4.3-octave*], Large Tom

*Player 3 & 4 may share one 4.3-octave instrument.

Program Notes
Completed in the spring of 2022, Dissonant Oscillations is a percussion quartet written for intermediate to advanced performers. The title refers to the staggering amount of dissonant intervals (mainly seconds) found throughout the piece as well as the rhythm consistently sounding like it is on the move, or oscillating. The piece starts aggressively with the ensemble playing a unison rhythm that quickly moves into a groovy melody with drum accompaniment. Each performer gets to play on drums as well as a mallet instrument, and the piece also features a short “drummy” section. Dissonant Oscillations is a perfect way to either open or close a concert and should be a fun experience for both performers and audience alike!