Tesserae (Download)

for percussion trio or quartet

Mason Lynass

Level: Med-Advanced

Duration: 5:15

Personnel: 3-4 players

State Lists: Texas | Florida

Release Date: 2019

Product ID : TSPCE19-021DL

Price: $35.00

Item #: TSPCE19-021DL

Formats Available:

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Description

Mason Lynass composed his percussion ensemble piece Tesserae so that it could be performed by 3 or 4 players and still hold its laid-back, groovy feel. It has elements of minimalism and “drum and bass” grooves. Depending on whether it’s performed as a trio or a quartet, the piece can be felt in two different ways: if performed by 3 players, the piece can be felt in 12/8 time and if performed by 4 players, the piece can be felt in 3/4 time.

This piece was the winning work in Portland Percussion Group’s 2017 Call for Scores and was premiered in 2017 at the Shout House in Portland, Oregon.

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

Instrumentation

• Glockenspiel

• Vibraphone

• Marimba—low C

• Drums (concert toms (2), bongos (2), pedal bass drum, drum set (snare, toms (2), kick)

• Cymbals & gongs (sizzle cymbal (2), suspended cymbal, crash cymbal, ride cymbal, hi-hat)

• Accessories (shaker)

Reviews

“Tesserae” is written so that it can be performed by three or four players and still hold its laid-back, groovy feel. This piece was the winning work in Portland Percussion Group’s 2017 Call for Scores and was premiered in 2017 at the Shout House in Portland, Oregon.

The broad influences that inspired the piece serve it very well, with Mason Lynass writing, “Some musical inspiration behind this work came from DJ Rashad, Mark Ernestus’ Ndagga Rhythm Force, DJ Paypal, and Steve Reich.” It has elements of minimalism and “drum’n’bass” grooves. These elements blend together to create an excellent funky and forward-leaning groove.

Lynass has done a clever job with the groove, specifically in “Tesserae.” Depending on whether it’s performed as a trio or a quartet, the piece can be felt in two different ways: if performed by three players, the piece can be felt in 12/8 time; if performed by four players, the piece can be felt in 3/4 time.

This would be an excellent piece for players and ensembles who are looking to work on their groove and cohesion, as well as those looking to maintain depth of concept in their programming. And the equipment demands are very reasonable. I highly recommend this piece for any chamber percussion ensemble setting.

—Joe Millea
Percussive Notes
Vol. 58, No. 1, February 2020