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Listening report Sebastian Ermer John Luther Adams: Drums of Fire, Drums of Stone

 

John Luther Adams' "Drums of Fire, Drums of Stone" is a percussion piece that is inspired by the natural environment of the Arctic. While the whole album “Earth and the Great Weather” focuses on nature and its sound, "Drums of Fire, Drums of Stone" focuses on the sound of thunder and eruptions, specifically volcano eruptions.

The first half of "Drums of Fire, Drums of Stone" is powerful and intense, as it is dominated by the sound of the bass drums. The rhythmic patterns are repetitive and gradually build in intensity, evoking the image of a volcanic eruption. The use of various metallic percussion instruments creates a shimmering and metallic quality to the sound, adding to the explosive energy of the piece. At the same time, this first part of the piece also utilizes recordings of nature, with the piece starting off by playing a recording of a thunderstorm before the instruments kick in.

The second half is a stark contrast to the first. It is slower and more contemplative, yet nonetheless keeps the intensity of the first half. The piece is built around a repeating melody that is passed between the instruments, creating an intense yet almost meditative soundscape that creates image of the power and destruction nature is capable of.

In "Drums of Fire, Drums of Stone", Adams creates a rich and diverse sound world using only percussion instruments, showcasing the range of textures and timbres that are possible with these instruments. The interplay between the different instruments is particularly impressive, as each player's contribution is carefully balanced and layered to create a cohesive whole.

Overall, "Drums of Fire, Drums of Stone" is a stunning composition that showcases the power and versatility of percussion instruments. Its usage of sounds and recording elevates the piece, showcasing a truly unique sound that resembles indigenous music at times.

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