Doppelgänger

Kirk J. Gay

General Info

Year of Publication: 2011
Publisher: Tapspace
Level: Advanced
Duration: 00:06:20
Cost: $15.00

Instrumentation

• 4 timpani
  
• 4 concert tom toms
  
• Woodblock
  
• Sizzle cymbal
  
• Wind gong
  

Description

Doppelgänger is an ideal selection for percussionists looking to perform a dramatic and virtuosic timpani solo that weaves new timbres and interesting patterns of coordination. Kirk J. Gay composed and dedicated this piece to his good friend John W. Parks IV, Associate Professor of Percussion at Florida State University.

Review

Jason Baker's Writing: Inspired by the idea of a doppelgänger being a "ghostly twin or double that can haunt a person," this piece presents an interesting juxtaposition of pitched and non-pitched instruments. A setup diagram is provided, lending a great deal of idiomatic ease to the performer. Additionally, the piece is notated on two staves, with multiple percussion instruments on the upper and timpani on the lower. All instruments are clearly indicated by a notational key. While pedaling is required for the timpani part, pitch changes are not indicated in the score, leaving those decisions up to the performer.

The biggest challenge the performer faces is connecting the various sections in a seamless and organic way. Beginning with a slow, spacious opening,t he piece then shifts to a much faster tempo (which occupies the majority of the work) before slowing back into the mysterious sounds heard in the beginning. The piece closes with a "non-sequiter" interplay between the timpani rims and woodblock using chopsticks.

While interesting sonic material is presented throughout, a mature performer is required in order to render a performance that is not disjunctive or choppy, but rather conducive to the form of the overall piece.

Recent Performance

Dr. John W. Parks IV Performance

Books for Percussion by this Composer

Gay, Kirk J. Pedal to the Kettle. Portland, OR: Tapspace Publications, LLC, 2009.

Works for Percussion by this Composer

Doppelgänger
Farfanmarch
Fear Cage
Mysterious Barrier
Overture for Timpani