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John Luther Adams – Drums Of Fire, Drums Of Stone

 

The track begins with a thunderstorm, where you can hear the thunder and rain. This is followed by a very lively part with drum sounds that captured me directly and also let me drum along in my mind. I felt directly transported to a movie scene in which warriors beat on huge drums in the middle of a thunderstorm to announce the arrival of their leader.  Starting at 1:20, the beat of the drums changes and more beats are added. Strikingly, each time the beat of the drums changes, there is a brief pause in which only the sounds of the thunderstorm, or whatever the sounds are supposed to represent, can be heard. The use of the drums makes it a very energetic piece, reminiscent of fight scenes in movies, but it could also be used to prepare for an important competition for top athletes. Just before the sixth minute, however, it takes on a somber note, and the tension in the piece seems to build, like a countdown in a movie where something exciting is about to happen, ending with a complete silence. Throughout the piece, a great deal of tension is built up, indicating that something is about to happen. Finally, it happens and there is complete silence.

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