Palm Reader (Download)

for percussion duet

Benjamin Holmes

Level: Advanced

Duration: 4:00

Personnel: 2 players

Release Date: 2019

Product ID : TSPCD19-005DL

Price: $29.00

Item #: TSPCD19-005DL

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Description

Combining asymmetrical rhythms with an octatonic melody, Benjamin Holmes’ percussion duet Palm Reader is a brilliantly tempestuous piece that features split rhythms and melodies, requiring the performers to know their own part as well as their partner’s.

Each performer has a set of four differently pitched crotales and a snare drum. They also share a djembe, which adds depth to the overall sound of the piece. With all of these instruments combined, the sound of the pieces cover a wide range of tones and timbres, giving it a full sound. This piece would be a great addition to any junior or senior recital, especially for advanced players looking to showcase their ability to split fast, intricate rhythms!

Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.

Instrumentation

• 8 crotales (C, C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, A#)

• 2 snare drums

• Djembe (shared)

Reviews

The art of palmistry, also known as palm reading, is often explained away as a parlor trick without substance. With its “flashy” split parts, I expected this work to embody its namesake; I was wrong. This piece is unique and creative, offering far more than novelty.

“Palm Reader” is a duo for percussion that, in around four minutes, takes the audience on a journey using over-the-top rhythmic complexity and lilting octatonic melodies. This advanced solo manages to unexpectedly present a gift for the performers and the audience as it is both visually and aurally appealing. Benjamin Holmes harnesses the power of the piece’s asymmetrical rhythms through orchestrating an intricate hocket — between crotales, snare drum, and djembe — that reveals a complex yet aesthetically accessible work, worthy of multiple performances.

This efficient work calls for each performer to use a snare drum and four unique pitches on crotales while they both share a djembe. With this instrumentation, Holmes has written an advanced work for percussion that is approachable for performers from a variety of backgrounds. While the use of pervasive split parts will appeal to performers with a strong background in marching percussion, this work would be a great addition for any undergraduate recital, or even as a small chamber ensemble piece on a percussion ensemble concert.

—Quintin Mallette
Percussive Notes
Vol. 58, No. 1, February 2020