Mantras: Sets I and II
for solo percussion
Set I: 4 Toms (high to low, Brake drum, 2 Mounted cowbells (high and low), 2 Mounted agogo bells (high and low), 2 Mounted woodblocks (high and low), 5-Octave marimba (C2-C7), 3-Octave vibraphone (F3-F5) OR Glockenspiel
Set II: 3 Nipple gongs on rack pitched C4, E4, and A4, 4 Chinese opera gongs on table pitched low to high, Mounted triangle, 3-Octave vibraphone (F3-F5), Tibetan singing bowl pitched at A4, 4 Timpani pitched A2, C3, F3, and A3
Mantras is an ongoing series of pieces inspired by the mantras of Hinduism and the idea of gradual change in general. Just as repetition of a mantra is meant to produce gradual change and enlightenment in the speaker, Mantras represents gradual musical change over time, not only in the first set, but extending through all future sets.
In Set I, Every odd-numbered movement serves as a "promenade" of sorts (à la Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition), which is somehow transformed by the even-numbered movement preceding it. This rhythmic motive returns in Set II.
The Gayatri mantra is employed throughout Set I. In movement IV it is chanted by the performer while playing marimba. Pitch material derived through solmization from the text is used in the final movement. Indian philosopher and statesman Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan translates the Gayatri mantra as, "We meditate on the effulgent glory of the divine Light; may he inspire our understanding (Radhakrishnan, Religion and Society, 135)."
Set II employs the Pavamana mantra, a prayer for knowledge and wisdom. It translates:
Lead me from ignorance to truth
Lead me from darkness into the light
Lead me from death to immortality
Set I was written for Alexv Rolfe, and Set II for Abby Fisher, both fellow graduates of Lawrence University with an interest in promoting new works for speaking percussionist.
In Set I, Every odd-numbered movement serves as a "promenade" of sorts (à la Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition), which is somehow transformed by the even-numbered movement preceding it. This rhythmic motive returns in Set II.
The Gayatri mantra is employed throughout Set I. In movement IV it is chanted by the performer while playing marimba. Pitch material derived through solmization from the text is used in the final movement. Indian philosopher and statesman Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan translates the Gayatri mantra as, "We meditate on the effulgent glory of the divine Light; may he inspire our understanding (Radhakrishnan, Religion and Society, 135)."
Set II employs the Pavamana mantra, a prayer for knowledge and wisdom. It translates:
Lead me from ignorance to truth
Lead me from darkness into the light
Lead me from death to immortality
Set I was written for Alexv Rolfe, and Set II for Abby Fisher, both fellow graduates of Lawrence University with an interest in promoting new works for speaking percussionist.