Chou-Echoes From The Gorge (P)-P

Echoes from the Gorge by Chou Wen-Chung for percussion quartet. This piece consists of a prelude and 12 movements, the last of which also serves as the coda. Seven of the numerous tone qualities, according to the ch'in esthetics, are adopted and characterize each of the movements: "pure" for movements 1 and 8; "tranquil" for 2, 3, and 4; "profound" for 5 and 6; "resonant" for 7; "flowing" for 9 and 12; "supple" for 10; "striking" for 11. The order and repetition of the tone qualities also serve as the basis for the overall form of the work. The "pure" tone frames the first eight movements, all with symbolic references to water in motion. Score and parts sold separately. Duration: 20 minutes.

Instrumentation:

Player 1 - castanets, claves, cowbells, bongos, congas, low snare drum, metal chimes, sizzle cymbal, finger bell, small gong, Chinese cymbal (small cup), high crash cymbal, low tamtam.

Player 2 - castanets, claves, cowbells, high Chinese tom tom, timbales, high bass drum, low parade drum, metal chimes, sizzle cymbal, finger bell, small gong, Chinese cymbal (small cup), high ride cymbal, low gong.

Player 3 - claves, woodblocks, 4 tom toms, high snare drum, bamboo chimes, sizzle cymbal, finger bell, small cymbal, Chinese cymbal, low crash cymbal, high tamtam, metal sheet.

Player 4 - claves, 4 temple blocks, low Chinese tom tom, tenor drums, low bass drum, high parade drum, bamboo chimes, sizzle cymbal, finger bell, small cymbal, Chinese cymbal (large cup), low ride cymbal, high gong, string drum.