Echoes A 〈Memories of Agbogbloshie〉

“Echoes A” is a thought-provoking and wonderfully complex work for solo multi-percussion. The composer states that this piece is meant to call attention to the “illegal export of waste to poorer countries” with some specific areas that have been affected. The composer masterfully represents these areas while creating various textures and melodic ideas throughout the work. Each section feels like a different place with its own character and purpose. Listening only to the audio, it’s difficult to believe that all of this can be achieved through one player.

While the setup diagram included with the sheet music looks a bit large and the instrument list looks a bit long, the setup ends up being sleek, fascinating, and surprisingly compact. The composer lists many common instrument substitutions for some of the rarer instruments, but I think something would get lost in translation. The textures presented throughout the work with the suggested instruments are extremely interesting and successful partially due to the smartly chosen instruments. Even the notation has obviously benefited from a great deal of thought and consideration to make the complex rhythms and melodies as easy to read as possible.

As for the performance aspect, this work is certainly not an easy one. Of course, there are many classic aspects for this work: fast, note-heavy passages, mixed meters, wood versus metal, etc. One of the more challenging aspects is when the performer, although standing, must play a pedal with each foot while playing melodic rhythms with multiple implements in the hands. Even if you do not plan to perform this piece, check out the video of the composer performing this piece online; it is very professional and well done.

The composer’s performance looks almost effortless, but if you’ve ventured into the multi-percussion life before, you’ll know that’s not the case. If you’re up to the challenge, this work would be an absolute highlight on any recital or program.

—Dr. Ben Cantrell, Assistant Professor of Percussion at Morehead State University