Gottry-Institutionalized (SP)-4 cajons/P

Institutionalized By Josh Gottry is scored for four players, each utilizing one cajon and one instrument with pedal (hi-hat, cowbell, woodblock, and bass drum). It opens with an aggressive passage for unison ensemble. Pedal bass drum and hi-hat crashes provide a bit of added impact, while the pedal cowbell and woodblock engage in a softer 7/8 dialog that contrasts the unison figures. After the opening motives are established, the work settles into a half-time groove in 3/4 time and a variety of interlocking rhythmic figures are introduced. Eventually, a 6/8 Afro-Cuban feel emerges, centering around the cajon and cowbell of player 2 and the energy and volume of the ensemble climaxes with a return to the opening unison motives. The 3/4 slower groove returns, this time deconstructing into a softer passage highlighted by use of rutes/brushes on cajon and accessory instruments. A brief reprise of the 6/8 Afro-Cuban passage again builds into a final aggressive unison statement by the ensemble.

Number of players: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate

Instrumentation

Player 1: Cajon 1, hi-Hat
Player 2: Cajon 2, cowbell
Player 3: Cajon 3, woodblock
Player 4: Cajon 4, bass drum