snare drum, voice (1987)
Commissioned by Stuart Smith
Duration: 8:00
Published by Smith Publications, The Noble Snare, Vol.3
Program Note
This is a nocturnal piece, evocative of the rich soundscapes of the Amazon forests. It was commissioned by composer-percussionist Stuart Smith for his anthology of new works for snare drum, The Noble Snare. Experimenting with a borrowed drum, I became aware of sonorities available from almost every part of the instrument, a much wider range than I’d associated with it previously. They suggested delicacy, close focus, a sensual world reminiscent of certain vocal sounds, thus, a duet for hands and voice.