Synergetic Simpatico for Drumset and Multi-Percussion Duo

 

Synergetic Simpatico by John Max McFarland explores the musical possibilities of two percussion instruments with very different traditional roles: the drumset and multiple percussion. The piece challenges the stereotypes of the drumset as a groove-driven instrument and multiple percussion as a more contemporary, experimental setup.

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The piece opens with an explosive introduction before moving into a contemporary approach to drumset writing. The second section features a fugue-like passage with five independent voices that eventually come together. A metric modulation signals the transition into the final section, which builds in speed and intensity while showcasing the groove possibilities of the multiple-percussion setup.

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The title reflects how the two instruments work together to break beyond their traditional roles through shared musical ideas, motives, and phrasing. Synergetic Simpatico offers ambitious performers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to demonstrate technical skill, musical creativity, and the versatility of modern percussion.

The Luxembourg Lambada was premiered on June 27, 2015 at the Kinneksbond Centre Culturel Mamer. The piece was performed as the closing piece on the Orchestre de Chambre du Luxembourg’s “Voyage Oriental” concert.