Palm Reader - Percussion Duet

Palm Reader by Benjamin Holmes https://www.tapspace.com/duets/palm-reader follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holmes_percussion/ https://www.holmespercussion.com Listen to our music here! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TUheqV8yuzNSMocRJtbfQ Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/holmes-percussion/1664037002 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0BRZ4KC68 Pandora https://www.pandora.com/artist/holmes-percussion/holmes-percussion/AL6KV3zwzgwVvp9 Youtube Music https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kmpPR3u7p-smgPTAxvQhqjn4pe6H9l2Bw Sticks: Vic Firth 5a Silver Bullet *headphones recommended* Description: Combining asymmetrical rhythms with an octatonic melody, Benjamin Holmes’ percussion duet Palm Reader is a brilliantly tempestuous piece that features split rhythms and melodies, requiring the performers to know their own part as well as their partner’s. Each performer has a set of four differently pitched crotales and a snare drum. They also share a djembe, which adds depth to the overall sound of the piece. With all of these instruments combined, the sound of the pieces cover a wide range of tones and timbres, giving it a full sound. This piece would be a great addition to any junior or senior recital, especially for advanced players looking to showcase their ability to split fast, intricate rhythms! REVIEW: The art of palmistry, also known as palm reading, is often explained away as a parlor trick without substance. With its “flashy” split parts, I expected this work to embody its namesake; I was wrong. This piece is unique and creative, offering far more than novelty. “Palm Reader” is a duo for percussion that, in around four minutes, takes the audience on a journey using over-the-top rhythmic complexity and lilting octatonic melodies. This advanced solo manages to unexpectedly present a gift for the performers and the audience as it is both visually and aurally appealing. Benjamin Holmes harnesses the power of the piece’s asymmetrical rhythms through orchestrating an intricate hocket — between crotales, snare drum, and djembe — that reveals a complex yet aesthetically accessible work, worthy of multiple performances. This efficient work calls for each performer to use a snare drum and four unique pitches on crotales while they both share a djembe. With this instrumentation, Holmes has written an advanced work for percussion that is approachable for performers from a variety of backgrounds. While the use of pervasive split parts will appeal to performers with a strong background in marching percussion, this work would be a great addition for any undergraduate recital, or even as a small chamber ensemble piece on a percussion ensemble concert. —Quintin Mallette Percussive Notes Vol. 58, No. 1, February 2020 #percussion #drums #snare drum