Cascade by Zach Paris

Cascade by Zach Paris is a contemporary work for percussion quintet. It features elements of both Japanese Taiko drumming and atonal improvisation. Its title comes from the cascading waterfalls common in Yellowstone National Park.

Performed on a series of drums, metallics, and a single pitched instrument (glockenspiel). This piece alternates between the turbulence of powerful waterfalls and the tranquility found above and below the cascade.

Sections of the work are driven by strong, unison 8th notes with accents moving around the ensemble, allowing for some visual flair. These are in stark contrast to quiet sections of aleatoric improvisation which guarantee a different performance every time and provide a great opportunity for ensembles to explore musical spaces together.