Battlestations II

Rich Holly

General Info

Year: 1982
Duration: c. 5:10
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Kendor
Cost: Score and Parts - $11.95 (Out of Print)*noted 8/23/2013   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Player I: Prayer stones, maracas, snare drum, tom-tom, bass drum, xylophone
Player II: Snare drum, bass drum, tom-toms, suspended cymbal, claves
Player III: Snare drum, bass drum, tom-tom, clave
Player IV: Snare drum, bass drum, tom-tom, claves, xylophone

Program Notes

Battlestations II is a percussion quartet that utilizes many different types of compositional techniques. Many of the themes are presented and then are reiterated in retrograde and inversion. Holly experiments with the use of antiphonal pods that he likes to call Battlestations.

Review

Battlestations II is a percussion quartet work that has long awaited published print. I had the pleasure of programing this music on my percussion ensemble program in 1986. As I expected, my student and the audience thoroughly enjoyed Rich Holly's music. Battlestations II has circulated in manuscript form to several college campuses but now Kendor Music is making this fine selection available to all. This quartet is meant to be performed in the round with percussionists "stationed" in the four comers of the performers hall. Each player has a bass drum, snare drum and tom toms with claves or prayer stones. Xylophones are used by two performers and maracas and suspended cymbal are also used. Holly develops the antiphonal character of the work right from the start. His rhythmic and timbre choices keep the audience's heads turning to the call and response of quiet claves and bombastic bass drums. Patterns of eighth notes, sixteenths and triplets are thrown around the ensemble to create a flurry of activity that makes musical sense. Holly's writing is clear and concise and all of the performers' instructions are unmistakeable. As you may have guessed, I think Rich Holly's Battlestations II would be a good choice for any intermediate to advanced college percussion ensemble. It would add variety and contrast to any recital program. Mark Ford, December 1991.

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

Battlestations II - Percussion Quartet
Homage a mi amigo - Percussion Duo
Nora's Dancer - Marimba
Rondo (Holly) - Timpani
Sonata for Timpani (Holly) - Timpani
Timbrangles - Multiple Percussion
You're Makin' Me Dizzy - Congas