Planet Damnation

From Wind Repertory Project
John Psathas

John Psathas


Subtitle: Solo Timpani and Digital Audio


General Info

Year: 2007 / 2015
Duration: c. 10:00
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: John Psathas
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - NZ$42.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Solo Timpani

Audio track


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Allured by the potential of the timpani to facilitate both rhythmically elaborate and melodically expressive writing, Psathas exhausts the entire spectrum of the instrument in this work for timpani and orchestra. Planet Damnation refers to a chapter in Robert Fisk’s The Great War for Civilisation, the influence of which can be heard in the subtle references to martial music throughout the work. By elaborating on the intricate timpani parts of his previous concerti (particularly Three Psalms (PE085) for piano and orchestra, and Zahara (PEF/JP/ZA) for saxophone and orchestra), Psathas’s aim in allowing the timpani to “find their melodic voice” is realised.

An unrelenting upward trajectory is propelled by the increase in rhythmic complexity evident between the timpani and orchestra, which only dissipates in the closing moments of the work. However, this drop in dynamic force is only an ostensible evanescence due to the tension created between rising chromatic figures in the wind instruments and the harmonically static motif given to the timpani, thereby aligning with Psathas’ omni-climactic intent.

- Program Note from publisher for orchestral edition


Dedicated to Lawrence Reese.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau) Wind Symphony (Jim Daughters, conductor; Kae Hashimoto Reed, timpani) - 3 May 2022
  • Kennesaw (Ga.) State University Wind Ensemble (Michael Makrides, timpani) - 30 September 2020
  • University of North Texas (Denton) (Austin Cernosek, timpani) – 3 April 2018


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources