Tenebrous Paradigm (Download)

for percussion orchestra

Darrien Spicak

Level: Med-Advanced

Duration: 7:20

Personnel: 14 players

State Lists: Florida

Release Date: 2022

Product ID : TSPCE22-020DL

Price: $50.00

Item #: TSPCE22-020DL

Formats Available:

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Performed by the Texas Christian University percussion ensemble from Fort Worth, Texas (Brian West, director)

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Description

Enter the dark and mysterious musical landscape of Tenebrous Paradigm by Darrien Spicak. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of horror film soundtracks and the music of Studio Ghibli by Joe Hisaishi, Spicak creates a diverse musical world that is equally foreboding, intricate, and vigorous. Tenebrous Paradigm juxtaposes sections of minimalist compositional techniques and complex, marching battery influenced percussive sections.

Tenebrous Paradigm is a Med-Advanced percussion orchestra requiring 14 performers and a wide range of instrument. Spicak has crafted a profound piece that will engage audiences and challenge performers' technical and artistic abilities.

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

Instrumentation

Glockenspiel

Crotales (both octaves)

Chimes

2 vibraphones

Xylophone

4 marimbas — (2) 4-octave, (2) 5-octave

4 timpani

Drums — bongos, 2 concert bass drums, 5 concert toms (graduated, single player), djembe, 4 impact drums, snare drum, 5 toms (used individually by keyboard players)

Cymbals — hi-hat, suspended cymbal, tam-tam (bowed), Zil-bel

Accessories — brake drum, egg shaker, mark tree, rain stick, sleigh bells, 2 woodblocks (hi/low), wooden patio chimes, waterphone (may substitute bowed cymbal)

Reviews

This work for 14 percussionists is appropriately named: with its mysterious tones achieved through use of special techniques and intriguing instrumentation, “Tenebrous Paradigm” creates an enigmatic soundscape that draws the audience into it. Especially helpful is the included information at the front of the score. There is a detailed instrumentation, listed per player, as well as a notation key and suggested setup. The setup diagram is a great addition, since it clearly conveys the composer’s intent and saves the leader of the ensemble the work of making a setup that works well.

There is an interesting juxtaposition of the drum sounds with the keyboards and accessories. The result is an effectual piece of music, rather than a linear one. It might remind the listener of a film score, with its interjecting drums, bowed/rolled/sustained/repeated notes and patterns in the keyboards, and overlapping polyrhythms in all instruments. The composer uses the instruments included to great effect, and each player in the 14-member ensemble has an important voice that contributes meaningfully.

“Tenebrous Paradigm” would be perfect for a college or professional ensemble. This one is sure to intrigue the audience and keep them engaged for the duration of the piece.

—Cassie Bunting
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 1, February 2023