Rattle the Cage

by Gene Koshinski

Medium/Advanced Concert Percussion

8 Players

Instrumentation:

• Glockenspiel
• Chimes
• Xylophone
• 2 vibraphones
• 2 marimbas—(1) low A, (1) low C
• Drums(concert bass drum)
• Cymbals(dark/thin suspended cymbal)
• Accessories(brake drum, glass wind chimes or mark tree, 4 small/graduated sets of bells or sleighbells, hand crank or digital siren, 4 pairs of plastic brushes)

Unique in its use of timbre, groove, melody, and counterpoint, Gene Koshinski’s Rattle the Cage is a modern day tour de force for percussion ensemble. Utilizing the primary instrumentation of 3 marimbas, 2 vibraphones, xylophone, glockenspiel, chimes, and bass drum, it mixes in a collection of non-pitched bells, siren and cymbals.

Players are called upon to create unique textures through a variety of playing techniques. There are numerous instances of interplay that will require mature performers, however technical passages are still quite playable so long as a solid foundation of tempo and communication is present. It is not a program piece – it is instead an abstract exploration of the musical elements mentioned above (most notably timbre and texture).

While this is an ambitious and work for percussion ensemble, it also communicates a certain optimism and lightness that will make it entertaining for music lovers of all types.

In addition to the printed score you are receiving downloadable:

✅ Individual Parts
✅ Full Recording