For 3 percussionists + stereo tape, commissioned by Slagwerkgroep Amsterdam, 43 & 23 min. versions

This piece was commissioned by Nieuwe Slagwerkgroep Amsterdam (Amsterdam New Percussion Group in Dutch). After discussions it was decided to create a work involving recordings (in this case all regarding water) and involving West African-inspired levels of improvisation. In traditional Gold Coast improvisation, the crowd will often clap the basic rhythm, less experienced drummers can sometimes syncopate a bit … to the master musician who has the greatest liberty of improvisation which, compared to free jazz, for example, is not that substantial. Nonetheless, such approaches to African drumming have inspired this composer and many more.

The piece is organised in sections. The original version contains 23 and was found to be rather long in the end. A subsequent version cut the total duration down by almost half. The score offers instructions prior to notating the sections allowing for those levels of improvisation in the relevant sections. Some sections also include stereo recordings. Some sections are not notated rhythmically and are more atmospheric whilst others are highly rhythmic, often including the marimba. The instruments used are traditional Western percussion, percussion instruments from other cultures and some objets trouvés (found objects) that are percussive.

The idea of a title discussing ‘no sound’ taken from a known phrase as basis for a percussion piece is ironic but does bring its various elements into the picture.

The original audio version follows and then the original score.

Nieuwe Slagwerkgroep Amsterdam plays the original version of this piece.

The complete original score follows below.