Pulse/Shiver/Stomp

Pulse/Shiver/Stomp is defined by the construction and deconstruction of meter and, specifically, of perceived pulse. The idea for the work arose out of my own fascination with the various, and sometimes disparate methods through which composers and performers of all musical styles have expressed rhythm. It seems there is nothing more natural to a human being than a rhythmic beat; it is in our walk, and certainly in our most basic function, the heartbeat. A discernible beat, or lack thereof, can draw very different emotional and even physical responses from the listener. Among other things, I wanted to create in this work a series of changing rhythmic ‘scenes’ which alternately clarify or obscure the basic beat in a sort of black or white extreme, with subtle shades of ‘grey’ intermittent. In a similar coloristic contrast, throughout the work the ‘colorless’ effect of the drums and other non-pitched percussion are set against the various ‘colors’ of bells, vibraphone, and piano.

Formally, the piece is a single movement which is conceptually divided into three sections:

I. “Pulse,” which presents various levels of defined rhythm in complex layered patterns by the five percussionists;

II. “Shiver,” which is an elaboration of color, and the shimmering effects of metallic percussion and piano;

III. “Stomp,” in which complete clarification of the beat is finally achieved

Pulse/Shiver/Stomp was premiered in Los Angeles in March of 1999 by the University of Southern California Thornton Percussion Ensemble, with pianist Lisa Sylvester.

E.M.