Suite No. 1
for percussion ensemble
Suite No. 1 by Fred Emory Smith for percussion ensemble will push intermediate players while keeping more advanced players on their toes as well. Shifting time signatures and some well-placed but tricky rest figures will ensure the entire ensemble is counting like crazy … and listening!
The piece makes use of a rhythmic motif in 4/4 time that is later explored in 7/8 time. Although not bombastic in nature, the work is certainly high in energy. A middle section turns lyrical and smooth until the drums take over once again. Conversational elements are present throughout, and the timpani part in particular will require a player who is comfortable carrying some small solo responsibilities. Occasional multitasking is also required.
Suite No. 1 could easily fit anywhere in your concert program where a slightly elevated heart rate is required!
This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
- Glockenspiel
- Xylophone
- Chimes
- Marimba—low A
- 4 timpani
- Drums (snare drum, 4 concert toms, concert bass drum)
- Cymbals (ride cymbal, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals)
- Accessories (tambourine, temple blocks, triangle, claves, shaker)
- Tam tam
Reviews
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Tom Morgan –
Here is a very playable percussion ensemble piece that strikes a good balance between the use of pitched and non-pitched instruments.The work is in one movement but changes character several times, finally returning to the original material.Thematically, it is very tightly constructed with a simple four eighth-note motive, with an accent on the first and last notes serving as the unifying element throughout.
It begins with the motive played on non-pitched instruments and timpani. The theme is then developed in various ways, involving ostinatos, hemiolas, embellishments, and a 7/8 time signature. After a brief return to the original thematic statement, the piece concludes with a short coda.
Players one, two, and four play both pitched and non-pitched instruments. The fourth part involves a multiple setup and part five is for timpani. The keyboard parts are repetitive, making them accessible for those who are learning two-mallet technique. The piece comes with a score and a disc containing a recording and pdf downloads for the parts. This is a well-conceived piece that would be excellent for players with good technique and at least intermediate keyboard skills.