Drum Dances

Originally commissioned by Dame Evelyn Glennie for drum kit and piano, this arrangement features one drum kit with five mallet players. Each of the piece's four dances is heavily influenced by jazz and rock music, particularly that of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Originally commissioned by Dame Evelyn Glennie for drum kit and piano, each of the four dances was stimulated by a certain rhythmic interaction possible between the performers. From the chaotic first movement (which is like a game where the players attempt to force each others' cadences), to the ending of the prestissimo fourth movement (in which [the ensemble and drumkit] parts are synchronized), the performers gradually begin working together instead of battling for superiority. The second movement is a loosely-written stately dance, and the third movement involves very tight rhythmic interaction and is driven by syncopation occurring simultaneously on several levels (from the semiquaver to the crotchet).The work is heavily influenced by jazz and rock music, particularly that of the late 1980s and early 1990s. I am greatly inspired by the drumming of Dave Weckl, the very different piano styles of Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea, and the enormous energy in the music of guitarists like Steve Vai. - John Psathas