Kingdom of Rhythm
General Info
Year: 1989
Duration: c.
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Warner Brothers
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00 | Score Only - $0.00
Movements
Instrumentation
xylophone, vibraphone, marimbas(2), tubanos(congas)(4), timpani(4), drum set, chocalho, agogo, tambourine, djembes(2), tubanos(3)cabasa, bass drum, pandiero; with piano(synth); bass
Program Notes
"Kingdom of Rhythm" is an advanced-intermediate percussion ensemble written for drumset solo, piano, bass, and seven percussionists who utilize xylophone, vibraphone, two four-octave marimbas, four timpani, chocalho (metal shaker), agogo bells, tambourine, two djembes, three tubanos (congas), cabasa, bass drum, large tubano (conga), and pandiero. The title is indicative of the spirit of the work, which employs several rhythmic styles, from swing to bossa nova to a "quasi" naningo to samba and back to swing. This provides the drumset soloist with an opportunity to showcase the contrasting styles and provides the percussionists with solo sections utilizing a variety of hand drums along with traditional percussion instruments. The mallet parts in the swing sections are somewhat challenging and are reminiscent of the mallet parts from the percussion ensemble "Encore In Jazz," but in a thicker and more imitative texture. The last seven measures of the work employ four-mallet double vertical roll technique in all mallet parts. Precise ensemble playing will be needed in order for the drumset soloist to thrive, due to the imitative nature of all parts as well as unison rhythmic sections. Great attention must be taken with hand drumming parts in terms of technique and sound production. If performing this piece without hand drums, instrument substitutions must be carefully thought out in order to keep the integrity of the piece intact. The electric bass part could probably work on bass marimba; however, the amount of sound production from the bass marimba may not be enough to carry the ensemble and soloist through the work. Louie Bellson has provided a well-written and exciting work to engage the listener and performer. I predict that "Kingdom of Rhythm" will soon become a familiar favorite to all.
Reviewed By: Lisa Rogers
Commercial Discography
Recent Performances
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Works for Percussion by this Composer
Discussions in Percussion – Percussion Ensemble
Four Stories – Percussion Quartet
Kingdom of Rhythm – Percussion Septet
Modern Reading Text in 4/4 – Snare Method
Percussion International – Solo Percusison, with Orchestra
Percussion Suite Number One – Percussion Quintet
Six Solos – Solo Percussion
T.B.A. – Solo Percussion
Tandem – Percussion Duo
Tea for Three – Percussion Trio
Additional Resources