Cascade
for percussion quintet
Cascade by Zach Paris is a contemporary work for percussion quintet that features elements of both Japanese Taiko drumming and atonal improvisation. Its title comes from the cascading waterfalls common in Yellowstone National Park.
Performed on a series of drums, metallics, and a single pitched instrument (glockenspiel), the piece alternates between the turbulence of powerful waterfalls and the tranquility found above and below the cascade.
Sections of the work are driven by strong, unison 8th notes with accents moving around the ensemble, allowing for some visual flair. These are in stark contrast to quiet sections of aleatoric improvisation which guarantee a different performance every time and provide a great opportunity for ensembles to explore musical spaces together.
Cascade ships as a fully bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.
- Glockenspiel
- Drums – 2 bongos, 2 congas, 2 small toms, 2 large toms, concert bass drum
- Cymbals & gongs – small suspended cymbal, large suspended cymbal, tam-tam
- Accessories – 2 triangles
Reviews
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Joe Millea –
“Cascade” is a contemporary work for percussion quintet that features elements of both Japanese Taiko drumming and atonal improvisation. Its title comes from the cascading waterfalls common in Yellowstone National Park. Performed on a series of drums, metallics, and a single pitched instrument (glockenspiel), “the piece alternates between the turbulence of powerful waterfalls and the tranquility found above and below the cascade.”
Alternating between sparse improvisation sections and intense drumming, “Cascade” is a great piece to build drumming, ensemble, and atonal improvisation. Zach Paris has done a terrific job leaving space for the performers to work, while not overwhelming them with instruments. The drumming sections are extremely well engraved and straightforward. “Sections of the work are driven by strong, unison eighth notes with accents moving around the ensemble, allowing for some visual flair.”
If you’re looking for something in the style of taiko drumming, this is it. It is perfect for a middle school (or above) percussion ensemble looking to do some intense drumming and work on their chamber-music skills.
—Joe Millea
Percussive Notes
Vol. 63, No. 3, June 2025