Edge (Corrugated Box) by Bruce Hamilton

This piece was written for percussionist Brian Mount who premiered the work at Indiana University in July 1991. The piece is comprised of many large sections and subsections, the former usually marked by changes in tempo. A steady introduction is followed by a dialogue between the soloist and tape in which much of the musical material of the piece is suggested. As the piece progresses, ever increasing tempi and intensity leads to a series of climactic gestures. The final gesture explodes into a somewhat ethereal section which gradually subsides, bringing the piece to a temporary repose. A quiet unison passage is followed by a reference to the introductory material, after which the cycle of tempi starts up again, leading to a final frenzied exchange between soloist and tape. EDGE is further characterized by a cyclical treatment of musical material, liberal use of polyrhythm, and a noticeable influence of rock and jazz.