Percussion Concerto
"A Savage Beat"

”When one first thinks of percussion instruments, images of chaotic loud bangs and 
bursts of energy may come to mind. While these elements are indeed essential to 
the percussionist's sound palette, the true nature of percussion instruments is often 
more ritualistic. Consider Indonesian gamelan music, African tribal drumming, or the 
traditional Japanese Taiko drumming, all of which play significant cultural and even 
religious roles.

In my percussion concerto titled ”A Savage Beat,” the concept of ritual 
serves as the starting point. This idea is reflected not only in the rhythmic 
unfolding of the piece but also in the recurring harmonies that often linger
in an almost haunting manner. Spatially, the percussion instruments are 
spread across the stage in various positions, which the soloist navigates 
throughout the six movements.

The first movement, "Arrival," begins with a hand drum groove but transitions into a 
static atmosphere dominated by ritualistic gongs. The second movement, 
"Together," features a flutist and a clarinetist joining the soloist to create a sense of 
"a jam around a campfire." The third movement, "Beat 1," introduces the first burst of
drumming energy with expressionistic and powerful rhythms.

The fourth movement, "Metal," starts with lightning-fast figures on the vibraphone, 
leading into a somewhat surreal, dystopian landscape characterized by the haunting 
sound of a deserted Caribbean steel drum. A brief ”Intermezzo," then refocuses the 
work, setting the stage for the final movement, "Beat 2," marked by the entrance of 
grand Taiko drums. This concluding movement builds tension and energy, 
culminating in an explosive finish.”