what clarity? (Percussion Concerto + Orchestra)

The popularity of Dave Hollinden's multiple percussion solos resulted in much anticipation for his concerto for percussion & orchestra, what clarity?. Set in two large sections, it is a true tour de force for both the soloist and the ensemble.

Genre: Solo Multi-Percussion + Orchestra | # of Players: Standard + 1
Series: Hollinden Signature Series
Level: Advanced | Duration: 18:00 + cadenza

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (11"x17" spiral bound)

Orchestra:
2 Flutes, Flute 1 doubling on Piccolo
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets in B flat, Clarinet 2 doubling on B flat Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons
2 Horns in F
2 Trumpets in B flat
2 Trombones
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion(1): 2 Bass Drums, Thunder Sheet, Tam Tam, 3 Cymbals
Soloist: see below for instrumentation and notation
1st Violin (8)
2nd Violin (8)
Viola (5)
Cello (5)
Double Bass (5)

Soloist:
Snare Drum
6 Tom Toms
Hi-hat
Tambourine with head
Almglocken
2 Cowbells
2 Temple Blocks
2 Wood Blocks
3 Bell Plates
2 Brake Drums
Metal Pipe
Tibetan Prayer Bowl
Tibetan Prayer Cymbal

Program Notes
The piece opens slowly (mm=44) and quietly, with sparse orchestration and the soloist on snare drum (Introspective). There is a gradual increase in tempo and energy leading to rhythmic dialog between the snare drum and the full string section (Resolute, determinded). This erupts into a full orchestral fff tutti at a ponderously slow tempo over which the soloist performs virtuosic snare drum passage work in double time (With great commotion). This large body of sound eventually collapses, dissolving into a very quiet and softly shaped section for Timpani, pizzicato Double Bass, solo Violin and the Soloist on metal instruments (Spent, vulnerable).

A brief chordal section (Sober, solemn) leads to the second half of the piece, which is based on brisk, angular rhythmic themes and in which the Soloist utilizes the full multi-percussion setup in dialog with the orchestra. Sections for full orchestra and Soloist (Bracing, with a sudden burst of energy) and the Soloist with the woodwinds (Playful) are followed by rhythmic passage work for the string section alone (Anxious, demanding), and finally a short duet for Timpani and the Soloist on High-hat (Persistent, determined). The final section (Precise, confident) distills the harmonic and rhythmic elements of the piece by means of rhythmic dialog between the tutti orchestra and the Soloist on a large, low Tom Tom.