Clave Variations by Thomas Briggs

The clave pattern is used in many styles of Latin music as the rhythmic foundation, such is the case here. This quartet begins in a straightforward/traditional manner and evolves with melodic material graduating into a development of themes and motives. The meter continues to fluctuate as the piece expands though the use of interjecting riffs, rhythms, and contrapuntal musical ideas into a climactic ending. I wrote this percussion feature for a chamber music recital with the intent of having challenging solo sections and ensemble passages for all members. — T.B.