The first movement of this work features a drum machine part that focuses on rock-oriented rhythms with typical cymbal and snare sounds. The music also features syncopated patterns and a contrasting acoustic part performed on keyboard instruments. The piece is highly dissonant, with the use of a Hemiola to an extent. Its hardest passages are repeated repeatedly and end with an abrupt silence.
“Drumkit Quartet No. 50” combines four drummers in a percussion ensemble that focuses on the broad timbral and textural qualities of the drumkit. Kotche uses custom implements and metallic elements in the composition, which was written in collaboration with So Percussion. It reveals Kotche’s fascination with the relationship between percussionists and audiences. Despite being a unique piece for the ensemble, it’s a must-hear for percussion lovers and music lovers alike.
This ensemble specializes in improvisation. The four musicians in the group perform traditional percussion grooves. In addition, they perform original compositions. The Drumkit Quartet No. 51 draws inspiration from field recordings taken by Kotche in Vienna. Featuring rich marimba motives and delicate melodies, the music echoes with a heavenly shimmer. It was composed in collaboration with So Percussion and is a must-have for drummers.
The composer is known for his unique approach to composition. While many of his works are based on traditional percussion instruments, he often explores the relationship between percussionists and the audience. In his latest CD, Drumkit Quartet No. 50, Kotche makes extensive use of traditional timbral and textural characteristics of the drumkit, incorporating hand-crank sirens and metallic elements. The recording has received critical acclaim from the international music scene and is sure to become a hit with the public.
The new work, Tuba Blues 2 by Kotche, is a jazzy blues/swing piece for a tuba quartet. The work is written for the ensemble with a variety of written and improvised solos for each player. A third optional drum kit part is included. One can perform the work by itself or with an orchestra. This music is written by a renowned marimbist and Associate Professor of Music at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
The compositions of this work often include field recordings from the composer’s travels. In contrast to a drum kit quartet, this work focuses on the wide timbral and textural aspects of the drum kit. The ensemble plays in unison, with the percussionists lining up on either side of two marimbas. The rhythmic texture emerges in unison from a simple melodic contour, and then the ensemble breaks into a free-flowing cloud.
TERMINALS is a multi-percussion composition for a three-piece set. In the concerto version, the instruments include a bass drum, a 14-inch snare drum, a dozen cymbals and a single 12″ hanging tom. This piece is a great choice for an intermediate or advanced duo. Using the full quartet in this composition will allow for a wider range of musical styles, from classical to rock and pop.