Symbiotique

Explores the many sonic possibilities of the vibraphone and push performers' musical comfort and awareness with this eccentric and colorful percussion quartet. Based on the words "symbiosis" - a mutually beneficial relationship in nature - and "tique" (tic) - a habitual, repetitive motion - the piece requires a tremendous amount of skill, communication, and confidence from all four players. Each part fits into the others to create one interconnected piece of music, requiring all four players to master their parts individually and work together to sound as one. The piece begins with a coordinated swirling texture created by two players using mallets on the vibraphone while the other two performers bow the instrument, creating a sustained ethereal atmosphere. The mallet players transition to play complex interwoven sextuplet splits while the other two players mimic this concept on their drum setups. The middle of the piece features extended techniques, such as pitch bending and harmonics, all while the vibraphone is being bowed. This section creates an eerie and chilling musical experience providing performers with a unique opportunity to explore the many sonic possibilities of the vibraphone. The final section incorporates complex splits and extended techniques found earlier to bring the piece home. The combination of extended techniques and intertwined parts engages performers and audiences alike in a profound visual and sonic experience. Ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.