Strata by Sean Patrick Harvey

Strata by Sean Patrick Harvey is a collection of three short pieces: One Big Hocket, Particle Emission, and Changing Phases. Advanced in level and ranging in duration from 2:00 to 3:45, all three pieces showcase the intricate textures that result from composite rhythms, canon, and interwoven layers. 

An adaption of the 13th-century polyphonic form that takes its name from the French word for hiccup, “One Big Hocket” contains split rhythms in every bar and includes a flexible improvisatory section. “Particle Emission” creates textural interest in part by its use of brushes and sticks along with a shared brake drum, and the vivace “Changing Phases” is a rhythmic showpiece. It is an excellent finale if performed as a suite but, like the other two pieces in the set, it is musically effective individually as well.