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Premiered by Members of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band Percussion Section, George Mason Masonic Lodge, Alexandria, VA , February 23, 2003.
Other performances: University of Maryland Percussion Ensemble, College Park, MD, May 14, 2004; Percussive Arts Society Day of Percussion, July 21, 2005, University of Maryland Percussion Ensemble, December 7, 2005; Indiana University Percussion Ensemble, Bloomington, IN October 29, 2007; over 10 additional performances by percussion ensembles in the USA.
Program Note
A thought that I frequently entertain is the precise motivation the split second before someone acts. What inspires someone to be brave or evil, to help or to hurt? This composition is an essay on this theme, a musical portrayal of action about to happen, hence the fragmented title “ . . . without a chance (for the action to occur)”.
The composition begins and ends with a chant. This chant is carried into the subsequent allegro section and is subject to various transformations. Despite the tempo changes, a sense of wonderment is sensed throughout the composition.
This composition was composed for Glenn and Janice Paulson. I composed this composition right before I began work on my Concerto for Five Percussionists and Band, soon to be premiered by the US Marine Band. Surprisingly, the two compositions are quite different in character, with this more conservative in sonic exploration and gestural character. I am quite fond of the bowed techniques and rolling marimba line found in this composition.