A Parting Shot
General Info
Year: 2016
Publisher: Row-Loff Productions
Series: Foremost In Marching And Concert Percussion Literature
Level: Advanced
Duration: 00:04:17
Instrumentation
Player 1: Wood or Bamboo Wind Chimes & Chimes & Bongos & Splash Cymbal & Glockenspiel
Player 2: Sizzle Cymbal & Xylophone & [[Congas
Player 3: Kokiriko & Floor Tom & Vibraphone & Small China Cymbal
Player 4: Small Wood Block & Brake Drum & Pod Rattle & Marimba & Hi Hat
Player 5: 4 Timpani
Player 6: Large Tam Tam & 2 Medium Concert Tom-toms & Opera Gong
Player 7: China Cymbal & Impact Bass Drum & Temple Blocks
Player 8: Medium Suspended Cymbal & Concert Bass Drum & 2 Large Concert Tom-toms
Program Notes
A Parting Shot (was composed for a percussion ensemble of 8 players. Its title refers to battle tactics used in the 12th Century Mongolian Empire led by the infamous Genghis Khan. His brilliant military strategies employed an extensive spy network, advanced signaling systems, and the use of large drums to give commands in battle. The Mongolian Empire was comprised of many nomadic tribes including the Parthians, ancient Iranian people. The “Parthian Shot” was a battle technique in which Mongol Cavalrymen would maneuver a galloping horse using only their legs, leaving their hands free to shoot arrows. In battle, the Mongol Cavalrymen would feign retreat; then, while at full gallop, turn around and shoot arrows at the pursuing enemy, creating a devastating ambush. This phrase has transformed over the years and entered our modern English language as the common phrase “parting shot”; a final hostile remark or action made by somebody who is leaving.
Works for Percussion by this Composer
Solo
A Parting Shot – Percussion Octet
Blue Hammers – Timpani
Engine Room – Multiple Percussion
Rudiments in Rhythm –Snare Drum
Tangents (Campbell) – Timpani
Tork – Multiple Percussion
Ensemble
Batik – Percussion Ensemble (10)
Crash Course – Percussion Octet; Crash Cymbals
Dark Flight - Percussion 12
Night Hunter - Percussion Ensemble (12)
Three Amigos – Percussion Sextet