Stone Oak (Percussion Ensemble)

Stone Oak (Percussion Ensemble) by Oscar Torres.

Dedicated to Cold Attack Percussion. May we bring the worlds of concert and marching literature closer together.

This piece is inspired by the image of an Oak Tree growing out of cement, each movement conveying a different layer and texture. 

The first movement, "Foundations and Roots", creates the foundation of the piece: cold attacks, fast runs, a grand statement for what’s to come.

The second movement, "Concrete Hardwood", dives into more technical challenges and bridges the gap between aggressiveness and fluidity, describing the process as the stem connects the roots to the branches. 

The third movement, "Branches of the Crown", develops a more lush and dynamic soundscape with multiple moving lines, varying time signatures and challenging permutations and rhythms, creating a sense of freedom and momentum like leaves in the wind. 

This piece is written for 5 marimbas and drumset.

Art by Erin Bissonnette