Equinox (Download)

for theremin and percussion ensemble

Rick Dior

Level: Medium

Duration: 6:00

Personnel: 10 players

Release Date: 2019

Product ID : TSPCE19-035DL

Price: $40.00

Item #: TSPCE19-035DL

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Description

Equinox by Rick Dior is an intermediate level ensemble with a featured theremin soloist. The title of the piece is taken from the biannual crossing of the sun over the equator which results in night and day being of equal length on two days of the year.

Shifting, crossing melodic motifs serve as countermelodies to the lead theremin melody and, at times, there are as many as four countermelodies crossing each other. The crossing of these percussion voices, be it rhythmic or harmonic, mimic the equinox event, with the theremin floating on top of these crossing motifs.

Dior recommends using a Moog Theremini since it is easier to grasp than a standard theremin for the beginning player. He includes range and scale presets for the theremini as well.

Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.

Instrumentation

•Crotales (high octave)

•Glockenspiel

•C•himes

• Theremin (Moog Theremini recommended)

•Vibraphone

•2-3 marimbas—(2) 4-octave, (1) low C

•Drums (pedal bass drum, timbales, djembe, bongos)

•Cymbals & gongs (flat ride w/ rivets, large suspended cymbal, small suspended cymbal, small gong)

•Accessories (wooden wind chimes, mounted finger cymbal, one shot shakers)

Reviews

What a treat to come across a piece for percussion ensemble and theremin! Rick Dior has a wonderfully creative mind for music, and this work is no exception. The composer writes, “The composition features shifting and crossing melodic motifs which serve as countermelodies to the lead theremin melody. At times there are as many as four countermelodies crossing each other. The crossing of these percussion voices, be it rhythmic or harmonic, mimic the equinox event. The theremin floats on top of these crossing motifs, grounding them.”

The individual parts are challenging but accessible. Dior suggests using a Moog “Theremini” as opposed to a standard theremin, which would make the instrument more accessible to a beginning player. The vibraphone parts include 4-mallet passages and some bowing. The marimba 1 and 2 parts feature constant sixteenth-note patterns; however, the sticking pattern is consistent with note changes to reflect changes in harmonic structure. Finally, the percussion parts are generally repetitive and groovy with a percussion “break” in the middle section.

This piece would be great for an advanced high school ensemble or established university ensemble. “Equinox” is exciting, energetic, and full of wonderful timbres. Audiences would certainly react with excitement to the rare performance of a theremin on stage.

—Justin Bunting
Percussive Notes
Vol. 58, No. 2, April 2020