Blueprints was an experiment of texture in minimal means. The piece requires a percussionist to perform with only a ride cymbal, using their hands to strike the instrument. Due to the quiet nature of this piece, the cymbal needs to be amplified for larger settings.
The form of the piece is an arch, with a general crescendo to and from the mid-point of the piece. Within each half, the performer is instructed to change the type of strike – whether that is the location on the cymbal, or the part of the hand used to strike the cymbal. While a constant low drone is present, rhythmic patterns emerge in contrast and a drastically brighter timbre. The difficulty in this piece is maintaining the direction of the crescendo, while balancing timbre changes, accented rhythms, and lower scale dynamics within each section.
If you’d like to see a copy of the score, please email me.
Recorded in Von Kuster Hall, Western University
Daniel Gardner – percussion
Nicholas Busch 