Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Work Overview

Kattrin's Drum is a work for live percussion and quadraphonic pre-recorded sound. However, the pre-recorded sound is always triggered by the percussionist by means of a MIDI (or other suitable) electronic percussion pad such that all aspects of the performance remain under the control of the single live performer. The percussion element of the work makes use of a range of drums, and high-hat cymbals. The quadraphonic sound is emitted from four loudspeakers (or sets of loudspeakers) placed equidistant from each other and as near as possible to the extremities of the performance space. The performer and the audience may be situated according to preference, anywhere within the quadraphonic square. A full set of audio files are supplied with the score but performers will find it more convenient simply to use the performance ready audio 'bundle' also supplied.

Kattrin's Drum is the first of a trilogy of works the other members of which are Kattrin Redux for bass clarinet and quadraphonics, and Kattrin Extant for trombone and quadraphonics. The three works can be programmed each as a completely discrete work or, if circumstances allow, as a 'triptych' in the order, Drum, Redux, Extant. Each piece employs the same quadraphonic accompaniment although dramatically different relationships are created through the entirely dissimilar solo roles. Regarding pitch related matters, the piece is atonal. Although there are episodes of stable pulse the regular instability of pulse typifies the rhythmic idiom of the work.

Work Details

Year: 2014

Instrumentation: Percussion (1 player), laptop running QLab, quadraphonic playback.

Duration: 15 min.

Difficulty: Advanced

Dedication note: Dedicated to David Montgomery

First performance: by David Montgomery at Kattrin's Drum (Bille Brown Studio) on 24 Nov 2014