Rhythmix (Solo Timpani + Percussion Quartet)

Rhythmix is a work that features the timpani in a dramatic, solo role. It is an imagined music in which the timpanist is the spokesperson, leading the ensemble in a variety of moods and rhythms that utilize melodies and harmonic tunings of Japanese origin.

Genre: Solo Timpani + Percussion Quartet | # of Players: 4+1
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 8:15

Instrumentation
Solo Timpani: 4 drums
Percussion 1: Vibraphone, Claves, 3 Medium Concert Toms, Jingle Bells, Rain Stick
Percussion 2: Glockenspiel, Bongos, 2 Medium Cup Gongs (or Prayer Bowls), Slide Whistle
Percussion 3: 3 High Gongs, Suspended Cymbal, 2 Wood Blocks, Large Tam-Tam (shared)
Percussion 4: Bass Drum, 2 Brake Drums, Claves, Large Tam-Tam (shared)

Program Notes
Rhythmix is a work that features the timpani in a dramatic, solo role. It is an imagined music in which the timpanist is the spokesperson, leading the ensemble through a variety of moods and rhythms that utilize melodies and harmonic tunings of Japanese origin. For example, the opening ascending phrases in the vibraphone and glockenspiel are the tunings of Koto strings while the first solo timpani statement is a segment of a Koto melody. The solo timpani statement in the fast sections uses a traditional Yamatogoto rhythm while the tunings are related to the tuning of the strings of said instrument. Finally, the hint of a Taiko ensemble can be heard in the fast sections.

Rhythmix was written for Ed Stephan, principal timpanist of the San Francisco Symphony, and the percussionists of the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra, Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It was premiered by them on May 8 and 9, 2015.