Time Dilation

Commissioned by James Campbell for the PASIC 2019 Collegiate All-Star Percussion Ensemble, “Time Dilation” is a rhythmic and colorful work that will satisfy audiences and performers. Regarding the inspiration for the piece, the composer states, “Gravitational time dilation is an astronomical phenomenon whereby it was theorized (and recently proven) that time is not an absolute measure in our universe. Simply put, time dilation indicates that the faster an object in our universe travels, the more the ‘experience’ of time is affected (slower) compared to another object in a different environment.”

Beginning in a 5/4 at a brisk quarter note equaling 250, a five-note motif is stated in the marimba parts that serves as the connective tissue throughout the work. While other instruments initially reinforce this rhythm, they eventually “pull away” through rhythmic augmentation (longer note values, as seen in the glockenspiel part) or hemiolas that work “against the grain” of the meter (notably in the percussion part and eventually other instruments). These devices create a constantly spinning texture against a tonal and “pop” harmonic backdrop.

While none of the parts are especially difficult, the frequent rhythmic interplay and breakneck tempo will demand players of a certain confidence and maturity. Only two of the marimba parts and the glockenspiel part require four mallets, and the writing consists of block chords and idiomatically broken chords that would be attainable by an advanced high school to intermediate college player. Although the size of the instrumentation might necessitate the use of a conductor, the performance of this piece as a chamber work is not out of the question, depending on the level of the players involved.

—Jason Baker
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 2, April 2023