by Dustin Schulze
14 players
Instrumentation: Crotales (2 octaves), Chimes, Glockenspiel, 3 vibraphones, 4 marimbas—low A, 4 timpani (optional 5), Drums (concert toms, bongos, congas, concert bass drum, concert snare drum, large tom), Cymbals (riveted china cymbal, hi-hats, suspended cymbal, crash cymbal, splash cymbal, hand cymbals), Accessories (claves, castanet machine, triangle, finger cymbals, roto tom frame*), Piano
*Played with triangle beater while spinning.
Shades of Glass is an elaborate piece for large percussion ensemble containing colors and themes inspired by the famed American repetitive-structure composer, Philip Glass. Its aim is to create a hypnotic sense of euphoria by way of layered, repetitive figures, and colorful textures.
The piano plays a substantial role in adding to the overall landscape, and the piece will require all players to have a keen sensitivity for how the whole ensemble is greater than the sum of its parts. This piece is unique and challenging, and also quite accessible for a wide variety of audiences.
This piece comes with a full, bound score and includes a CD-Rom containing an audio recording and all individual parts available for printing.
