Hasenpflug-Smoke and Mirrors (SP)-B/V/Cro./P

Smoke and Mirrors by Thom Hasenpflug for percussion quartet. "Smoke and Mirrors" is a metaphor that suggests we are constantly deceived by distractions and tricks and thus prevented from seeing a larger truth. In this piece the symbolism of the expression is reflected in the mirror image instrumentation, alternating densities, and rhythmic displacements (which either add to obfuscation or provide clarity). The style of this advanced quartet is intended to reminisce Hasenpflug's early 90's piece Bicksa, though this piece is twice as long and has keyboard instrumentation to provide textural contrast.

Instrumentation:
Player 1 - crotales (high octave), sandpaper blocks, coffee can, ride cymbal, cast iron skillet, brake drum, woodblock, 3 concert toms
Player 2 - glockenspiel, splash cymbal, hi-hat, cast iron skillet, 3 almglocken, snare drum, floor tom
Player 3 - vibraphone, triangle, China cymbal, cast iron skillet, 3 cowbells, bongos, bass drum
Player 4 - crotales (low octave), maracas, medium tam tam, crash cymbal, cast iron skillet, brake drum, woodblock, 3 concert toms