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Numericals by Alan Keown is a challenging duet rife with mathematical combinations — from polyrhythms such as 5 against 4 and 3 against 2 to metric modulations and plenty of syncopation. The two performers face off as they layer rhythm upon rhythm on bongos, congas, and four wooden planks.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Bongos (pair)
2 Congas (may substitute with 2nd pair of bongos)
4 Wood planks (may substitute with temple blocks or wood blocks)
There is always room in the repertoire for multi-percussion chamber music that calls for a small setup, and you can’t go wrong with a mix of wood and skins for timbres. In “Numericals” the two parts remain distinct and easy to differentiate for the listener while also blending in an earthy style. The tempo is quick enough to groove, but not so fast that the notes lose their precision or are out of reach for intermediate players.
“Numericals” contains some rhythmic complexity and a few hocketing moments to create a challenge for the players and an interesting composite sound for the audience. The middle of the piece contains a sparser section with tasty syncopation where the chosen instrument timbres get to shine. The instrumentation is flexible, which makes the piece accessible for any ensemble regardless of the size of their instrument inventory. The flexibility of the instruments also gives the performers creative leeway to pick sounds that they love and make the piece unique to themselves.
“Numericals” is six minutes long — a good length for a recital duo. The score is four pages long, so the performers can easily fit it on music stands without worrying about page turns or cutting up the score into parts. The technique calls for straightforward two-mallet/stick drumming without any extended techniques or special skills. The performers need to have a good grasp of rhythm and ensemble listening. This piece would make a nice addition to an advanced high school or undergraduate recital.
—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 4, August 2024
Numericals by Alan Keown is a challenging duet rife with mathematical combinations — from polyrhythms such as 5 against 4 and 3 against 2 to metric modulations and plenty of syncopation. The two performers face off as they layer rhythm upon rhythm on bongos, congas, and four wooden planks.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Bongos (pair)
2 Congas (may substitute with 2nd pair of bongos)
4 Wood planks (may substitute with temple blocks or wood blocks)
There is always room in the repertoire for multi-percussion chamber music that calls for a small setup, and you can’t go wrong with a mix of wood and skins for timbres. In “Numericals” the two parts remain distinct and easy to differentiate for the listener while also blending in an earthy style. The tempo is quick enough to groove, but not so fast that the notes lose their precision or are out of reach for intermediate players.
“Numericals” contains some rhythmic complexity and a few hocketing moments to create a challenge for the players and an interesting composite sound for the audience. The middle of the piece contains a sparser section with tasty syncopation where the chosen instrument timbres get to shine. The instrumentation is flexible, which makes the piece accessible for any ensemble regardless of the size of their instrument inventory. The flexibility of the instruments also gives the performers creative leeway to pick sounds that they love and make the piece unique to themselves.
“Numericals” is six minutes long — a good length for a recital duo. The score is four pages long, so the performers can easily fit it on music stands without worrying about page turns or cutting up the score into parts. The technique calls for straightforward two-mallet/stick drumming without any extended techniques or special skills. The performers need to have a good grasp of rhythm and ensemble listening. This piece would make a nice addition to an advanced high school or undergraduate recital.
—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 4, August 2024
