Born Of Fire Publications
Born Of Fire Catalog
Mallet Duets
Rosaric Meditation (2008)
By Ned F. Smith
Premiered by Ars Deum Percussion Duo / July 26, 2008
St. John Vianney Church
RI USA
Repetitive, chant-like prayer finds its place in many philosophies and religions world-wide. The Roman Catholic Rosary is no exception. As a set of variations on the familiar shape-note melody, What Wondrous Love, Rosaric Meditation explores the oftentimes misunderstood practice of repetition as a source of focus in prayer and meditation. Just as the Catholic Rosary meditates on various mysteries using the same prayer focus each time, so too does the musical material mold itself around the same melody in differing contexts.
Marimba and Pan Duets
In Spirit (2008)
By Ned F. Smith
This duo for Marimba and Pan (Tenor) builds itself off of two very linear lines weaving around each other utilizing some primitivism techniques indirectly following Nelhybel's lead. Though not a serial composition, there is definite evidence of developing a tone row of sorts through a chorale setting, a very active rhythmic counterpoint, and a very spacious "notated improvisation," followed directly by an actual improvisation.
Snare Drum Duets
Corpless (2008)
By Benjamin Fraley
Premiered by Ars Deum Percussion Duo / July 26, 2008
St. John Vianney Church
RI USA
"Corpless" is a collection of snare drum duets that is an attempt to create meaningful new snare drum literature. The title "Corpless" has many meanings: 1) That we as God's children inhabit mere shells (corps) for our souls, and that ultimately we long for our souls to be called home to God. 2) That the modern drum and bugle (corps) ensembles play percussion arrangements that are very flashy but lack artistic depth. 3) And that the snare drum is, if not the most, one of the most important (corp) instruments in the percussion family.
Multiple-Percussion Duets
Improvisations for Decisions: For Musical Duo (2007)
By Benjamin Fraley
Improvisations for Decisions is a piece intended for snare drum duet and chess game. This piece continues as long as the game continues. The piece only ends due to a stalemate or a checkmate. While the game is in progress the performers are free to improvise as they choose.
The piece is intended for snare drum duet with brushes, but any combination of musicians can perform this piece.
This piece is meant to be a performance paradox. The duo in a sense is supposed to work together in order to create an interesting improvisation. However, each performer is trying to win the chess game. It is a paradox or competition and collaboration.
The piece is also a commentary on the idles of decision-making. The decisions that we make everyday must be given careful consideration, because our decisions help to determine who are and what lies ahead for us.
The Lord is on my mind, my lips, and my heart.
Whosoever Will Lose His Life (2007)
By Ned F. Smith
"Whosoever Will Lose His Life" utilizes improvisation and theatrical techniques. Instrumentation for both players: 2 splash cymbals, 3 graduated toms, snare drum, 2 cowbells, and kick drum. This piece was inspired by Matthew 16:25.
"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Shh... (2008)
By Benjamin Fraley
Premiered by Ars Deum Percussion Duo / July 26, 2008
St. John Vianney Church
RI USA
"Shh..." was inspired by the inability to sleep when one worries too much. The mind races, the body tosses, and when you think you are finally about to sleep, you find yourself awake again. "Shh..." is, in a way, a comment on how often times people worry a great deal about what is happening in their lives to the point where they don't trust God to guide them. Put your trust in God and he will not fail you.
The duo will share a set of bongos (one playing the higher drum, the other playing the lower), and each player will have a low tom tom, medium tom tom, and a conga.
Serial Box (2005)
By Benjamin Fraley
"Serial Box" was created using chance procedure and serial notation methods. "Serial Box" is not only a piece of musical technique, but of careful self-evaluation.
Instrumentation for both players 1st mvt: Glockenspiel and Tam Tam Grande. 2nd mvt: Four timpani and two tuned gongs for each player (A# and D#, G# and D#).
This piece was inspired by Psalm 115: 1-2.
"Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."
Marimba Solos
Focus (2007)
By Benjamin Fraley
Premiered by Ned F. Smith / July 26, 2008
St. John Vianney Church
RI USA
"Focus" is a four mallet solo for 4 1/3 octave marimba written for Ned F. Smith. This piece is for an advanced percussionist with good four mallet technique. The piece is a reflection of what it means for us to be focused throughout life. It is a piece that constantly fluctuates between dissonance and consonance, and frustrated and calm emotions. As we grow older physically and spiritually, a sense of focus becomes more and more difficult to perfect. This marimba solo will be a musical comment on the journey of growing up and staying focused when there are so many distractions.
The First Lament: of the Ecclesiastes Philosopher (2007)
By Ned F. Smith
Premiered by Benjamin Fraley / July 28, 2007
St. John Vianney Church
RI USA
The First Lament is inspired by the opening sentiments of the Book of Ecclesiastes, "I tell you, it is all useless (1.14)." It is a medium-level chorale utilizing substantial independence of four-mallet technique.
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