Time’s Arc is Anthony DiSanza’s second concerto for darabukka. Premiered at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2013, DiSanza uses a wide range of tempos and styles, driven by a colorful instrumentation. Suggestions for substitutions are included in cases where some of the less common instruments are unavailable.
The musical content of Time’s Arc is based on Middle Eastern Iqa’at (rhythmic cycles), each in a different time signature and each having unique characteristics. While there is a significant amount of specifically-composed material for the soloist, this piece provides extensive opportunities for improvisation.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Accessories (2 slide whistles, timbrack*, 3 metal pipes, Korean pok, riq, 2 triangles, ching chok, small wood shaker, bell bundles, glass wind chimes, khartal, nose cone, mazhar)
* The “timbrack” is comprised of the following small instruments laid out in the configuration of a chromatic keyboard to form one multipercussion instrument. See performance notes for more specific information.
Small pitched gong
Low almglock (lower in pitch than the small gong)
Frying pan (not an iron skillet)
3 almglocken
2 temple blocks
High wood block
2 piccolo wood blocks
Reviews
“Time’s Arc” is a virtuosic, tour-de-force concerto for darabukka and percussion trio. Composed in arch form, the piece takes listeners through three rhythmic cycles common in Middle Eastern music: Karsilama, in 9/8, Maqsum, in 4/4, and Zaar, in 2/4. An alap, or introduction, occurs at the opening of the piece, and a brief 6/8 section, not based on any traditional rhythmic cycles, falls squarely in the middle. In each section, the soloist can show knowledge of traditional darabukka playing techniques and rhythms as well as improvisatory skills. Throughout the piece, there is a mixture of written darabukka parts (some designed to be played as written while others function as skeleton patterns) and improvisatory slashes, allowing the performer freedom within the rhythmic cycle of each section. Mastery of traditional sounds (doum, tek/ka, slap, and puk), as well as strong improvisatory training, is required to perform the work. In addition, the soloist must possess solid slide-whistle chops, as the alap section requires several precise melodic gestures in unison with pitched percussion.
The ensemble parts are well-written, interesting, and require a level of ability that would be suitable for advanced undergraduates or graduate students. There are several specialty instruments (see above list) requiring the ensemble members to have extensive skills in hand percussion. Although the instrumentation list is vast, Anthony Disanza provides instrument pictures, substitutions, and clear setup diagrams for many of the more difficult-to-find instruments or unusual setups. This will aid university programs greatly in programming this work.
“Time’s Arc” is a refreshing addition to the “concerto with percussion ensemble” repertoire, and greatly adds to the composed repertoire for darabukka. Kudos to Dr. DiSanza for such an inventive, exciting piece!
—Justin Alexander Percussive Notes Vol. 56, No. 1, March 2018
Description
Time’s Arc is Anthony DiSanza’s second concerto for darabukka. Premiered at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2013, DiSanza uses a wide range of tempos and styles, driven by a colorful instrumentation. Suggestions for substitutions are included in cases where some of the less common instruments are unavailable.
The musical content of Time’s Arc is based on Middle Eastern Iqa’at (rhythmic cycles), each in a different time signature and each having unique characteristics. While there is a significant amount of specifically-composed material for the soloist, this piece provides extensive opportunities for improvisation.
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Accessories (2 slide whistles, timbrack*, 3 metal pipes, Korean pok, riq, 2 triangles, ching chok, small wood shaker, bell bundles, glass wind chimes, khartal, nose cone, mazhar)
* The “timbrack” is comprised of the following small instruments laid out in the configuration of a chromatic keyboard to form one multipercussion instrument. See performance notes for more specific information.
Small pitched gong
Low almglock (lower in pitch than the small gong)
Frying pan (not an iron skillet)
3 almglocken
2 temple blocks
High wood block
2 piccolo wood blocks
Reviews
“Time’s Arc” is a virtuosic, tour-de-force concerto for darabukka and percussion trio. Composed in arch form, the piece takes listeners through three rhythmic cycles common in Middle Eastern music: Karsilama, in 9/8, Maqsum, in 4/4, and Zaar, in 2/4. An alap, or introduction, occurs at the opening of the piece, and a brief 6/8 section, not based on any traditional rhythmic cycles, falls squarely in the middle. In each section, the soloist can show knowledge of traditional darabukka playing techniques and rhythms as well as improvisatory skills. Throughout the piece, there is a mixture of written darabukka parts (some designed to be played as written while others function as skeleton patterns) and improvisatory slashes, allowing the performer freedom within the rhythmic cycle of each section. Mastery of traditional sounds (doum, tek/ka, slap, and puk), as well as strong improvisatory training, is required to perform the work. In addition, the soloist must possess solid slide-whistle chops, as the alap section requires several precise melodic gestures in unison with pitched percussion.
The ensemble parts are well-written, interesting, and require a level of ability that would be suitable for advanced undergraduates or graduate students. There are several specialty instruments (see above list) requiring the ensemble members to have extensive skills in hand percussion. Although the instrumentation list is vast, Anthony Disanza provides instrument pictures, substitutions, and clear setup diagrams for many of the more difficult-to-find instruments or unusual setups. This will aid university programs greatly in programming this work.
“Time’s Arc” is a refreshing addition to the “concerto with percussion ensemble” repertoire, and greatly adds to the composed repertoire for darabukka. Kudos to Dr. DiSanza for such an inventive, exciting piece!
—Justin Alexander Percussive Notes Vol. 56, No. 1, March 2018
Odd meter, ostinato-driven work for larger ensemble (15-17 players) that explores mathematically overlapping patterns in 7/8 time. Requires groove, balance, and strong ensemble timing skills.
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