Nozny-Parallel (SP)-Tuned pipes/P

Parallel by Brian Nozny is a percussion quartet commissioned by and dedicated to the T. Adam Blackstock and the Troy University Percussion Ensemble. Parallel was born from self-imposed limitations: Metal instruments only, a limited force of those instruments, small fragments of thematic material, and the avoidance of using pitch-based instruments melodically. The goal of these limitations was to create a piece that emphasized atmosphere over all other things. The title and inspirations came from Dear Esther, a video game that creates an experience through exploration and narrative as opposed to skill-driven progress. The theme of parallel lines is key to Dear Esther. This piece was premiered during Troy University Percussion Ensemble's showcase concert at the 2012 Percussive Arts Society International Convention.

Equipment:

Player 1 - Tuned Metal Pipes (F#, G, A), Ride Cymbal, Tam-Tam
Player 2 - Tuned Metal Pipes (B, C#, D, E), Found Metal Instrument
Player 3 - Tuned Metal Pipes (E, F#, G, A), Sleigh Bells
Player 4 - Tuned Metal Pipes (A, B, C#, D), Suspended Cymbal

Performance Notes:

The tuned metal pipes are the same pipes that are used in Paul Lansky's piece Threads. Instructions for these pipes are included.

The found metal instrument should be something articulate enough to convey the rhythmic themes while still possessing a small amount of resonance to connect it to the rest of the sonic palatte.

Performance Time - 6'15"