Fear Cage

Kirk J. Gay

2 Players

Medium Duet for Timpani with Audio Soundscape

Instrumentation: • Crotales (low G and high D crotales) • 4 timpani (32", 29", 26", 23") • 5 timpani (32", 29", 26", 23", 20") • Accessories (bass bow, brass rice bowl or Tibetan prayer bowl, bamboo wind chimes)

"Fear Cage" is a term used by paranormal researchers to describe a confined space with high electromagnetic field (EMF) readings. In these areas, one who is sensitive to such phenomena can feel uneasiness, paranoia, anxiety, nausea, and uncontrollable fear.

Written by Kirk J. Gay for two players enclosed within a circle (or cage) of 9 timpani, Fear Cage is a dramatic piece which uses a variety of effects to set a dark tone. Stationed back to back, the performers sometimes cross into each other's territory, ultimately rotating around the circle of drums and trading positions while playing. Unique textures such as bowed crotales and a prayer bowl on top of timpani heads provide a perfect complement to the included audio soundscape which runs throughout the piece. Several moments of free improvisation are called for as well. This is a timpani feature sure to leave its mark on your next concert.

This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes full-quality audio for the soundscape track along with individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.