Bruce-Murmurations (SP)-P/2PN

Murmurations by Adam Bruce is an illustrative percussion trio mimicking the flocking patterns of starlings through a variety on sonic palettes, including the mix of three snare drum sizes and tunings, a shared concert bass drum, and various percussive implements. The snare and bass drums often feature rhythmic and dynamic figures that are offset by very small amounts of time, offering the illusion of an ever-changing swarm of birds. Throughout the work the performers are required to transcend traditional hurdles of chops and dexterity with the added responsibilities of advanced musical shaping and coordination.

In the middle of the piece, the percussionists are provided the opportunity to freely interpret what they are viewing during the video playback. This is an excellent chance to provide audience members and performers with an immersive and spontaneous musical experience.

Murmurations can be performed with the addition of two live pianos performers or with the included piano accompaniment track. Three versions are available: 1) Both pianos mixed, 2) Piano 1 only, and 3) Piano 2 only. Each accompaniment track also includes a click track for all performers.

Murmurations ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.

Additional Information:

• Number of players: 3-5
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Instrumentation:
  • Player 1: Piccolo snare drum, concert bass drum
  • Player 2: Standard concert snare drum, concert bass drum
  • Player 3: Field/deep shell snare drum, concert bass drum
  • Player 4: Piano 1 (optional; may use provided audio accompaniment in place of live piano part(s))
  • Player 5: Piano 2 (optional; may use provided audio accompaniment in place of live piano part(s))

A single bass drum may be shared by Players 1-3

Projection system is needed for optional video accompaniment