Revolutions CD from Rhythmscape

This CD features 14 works for percussion ensemble published by Rhythmscape Publishing, making this a showcase of their offerings as well as a vibrant demonstration of percussion composition and performance in Australia.

Many of the works were composed by members of the ensemble. The only arrangement is that of Elgar’s “Nimrod from the Enigma Variations,” which was arranged by ensemble member and conductor, Gordon Hughes.

This CD features works for various ensemble instrumentations: drum-oriented ensembles (“Bang, Volume 4” and “DTKT”), large keyboard ensembles (“Lullaby for Marimba” and “Reflex”), large ensembles with multiple instruments (“First Transformation”), and percussion with piano (“Butterfly” and “Brother”).

The performances are solid throughout, featuring several ensemble members as
soloists. A DVD performance of “Symphony of Palms,” an entertaining work for “body percussion,” is also included.

All of the pieces for pitched percussion are tonal, and non-pitched pieces are “groove oriented,” making this recording accessible to a wide variety of listeners.