Cycle Games 1
(2019)
Percussion Ensemble
two groups - vocal percussion
or
Duet
2 players - vocal percussion
Cycle Games 1 brings together two of my strongest beliefs in music: 1. rhythm is one of the most expressive musical elements, and 2. the human voice is the most effective instrument to explore the meaning of art. That is, to show the possibilities of human existence.
The piece is a composed vocal percussion duet where each part can be 1 or more performers. The interplay of the rhythmic groupings of 4 and 7 defines the music throughout, as rhythmic materials are contrapuntally iterated in versions of both groupings. The notated sounds leave space for some individual interpretation, as well as one section utilizing improvisation.
Cycle Games 1 is inspired by the Carnatic Konnakol art form, but the contrapuntal approach, treatment of timbre and theatricality are rooted in my language as a contemporary European composer.