MacDonald-Florid Organum-SD

The compositions in Florid Organum, Snare Drum Duets and Solos are inspired by the florid organum technique developed in the 12th century by European composers like Perotin, in which a slow moving melodic line (usually based on a plainchant) accompanies a faster line in one of the rhythmic modes. The medieval rhythmic modes were organized into six types, with permutations of long and short note values. I have adapted that general idea for two snare drums, using a variety of compositional techniques, some ancient and some modern. The American rudimental tradition figures prominently in these pieces, in conjunction with elements of the concert snare drum tradition.

- Payton MacDonald

• Number of players: 1
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Instrumentation: Snare drum