A concert work written for solo multipercussionist with an optional assistant who serves as the echo, Echo Song was inspired by a madrigal for antiphonal choirs by Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso. Gene Koshinski’s further interest in the Ritmica method, which focuses in part on the simultaneous performance of unrelated meters and ostinati as well as contradictory melodic material, informs the bulk of this medium-advanced work. There are contradictions to be found within the timbres, too, as the soloist plays bongos, 4 octobans, kick drum with pedal, and splash cymbal. Another set of bongos and kick drum comprise the echo part. The result is an engaging work that also allows for some performer discretion as to the length of repeats.
This piece ships as a printed, professionally bound folio with a full-color cover.
NOTE: If utilizing the optional assistant percussionist "echo," a streamlined part (facilitating fewer page turns) may be downloaded from the link below.
Optional Player 2 (Echo Accompaniment) Part (PDF Format)
As indicated in the composer’s preface, “Echo Song” is an unaccompanied multiple percussion solo inspired by Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso and his antiphonal choral composition of the same title. Within the selected timbres (basically all membranic with one splash cymbal), there are seven graduated, arbitrary pitches, which initially focus on the upper pitch of the bongos with groupings of rhythms (such as 5:4 and 6:4) as well as ample improvisational opportunities for the soloist.
After viewing the video performance of this work located on the publisher’s website, this composition took on a more approachable and frankly enjoyable impression—also lending itself to the conclusion that the “optional percussionist” is quite necessary for an optimal performance. The overall structure of this seven-minute work is through composed with numerous rhythmic and cadential pauses. This composition would be quite appropriate for a solo percussion recital at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
—Jim Lambert
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015
A concert work written for solo multipercussionist with an optional assistant who serves as the echo, Echo Song was inspired by a madrigal for antiphonal choirs by Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso. Gene Koshinski’s further interest in the Ritmica method, which focuses in part on the simultaneous performance of unrelated meters and ostinati as well as contradictory melodic material, informs the bulk of this medium-advanced work. There are contradictions to be found within the timbres, too, as the soloist plays bongos, 4 octobans, kick drum with pedal, and splash cymbal. Another set of bongos and kick drum comprise the echo part. The result is an engaging work that also allows for some performer discretion as to the length of repeats.
This piece ships as a printed, professionally bound folio with a full-color cover.
NOTE: If utilizing the optional assistant percussionist "echo," a streamlined part (facilitating fewer page turns) may be downloaded from the link below.
Optional Player 2 (Echo Accompaniment) Part (PDF Format)
As indicated in the composer’s preface, “Echo Song” is an unaccompanied multiple percussion solo inspired by Renaissance composer Orlando di Lasso and his antiphonal choral composition of the same title. Within the selected timbres (basically all membranic with one splash cymbal), there are seven graduated, arbitrary pitches, which initially focus on the upper pitch of the bongos with groupings of rhythms (such as 5:4 and 6:4) as well as ample improvisational opportunities for the soloist.
After viewing the video performance of this work located on the publisher’s website, this composition took on a more approachable and frankly enjoyable impression—also lending itself to the conclusion that the “optional percussionist” is quite necessary for an optimal performance. The overall structure of this seven-minute work is through composed with numerous rhythmic and cadential pauses. This composition would be quite appropriate for a solo percussion recital at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
—Jim Lambert
Percussive Notes
Vol. 53, No. 1, March 2015