Printed set (Score & Parts)
[Percussion 1] Finger Cymbal, Bamboo Chime, Drums (Bongo,Conga,3 Toms,Kick Drum)
[Percussion 2] Vibraphone, Chinese Cymbal, 2 Wood Blocks, Xylophone, Small Bass Drum
[Percussion 3] Marimba, Tam-tam, Chimes, Small Bass Drum
This piece is in series with my earlier composition Divertimento, written for soloistic membranophones and keyboard percussion. Avon is the name of a rose. After finishing the piece, I happened to pick up a book in a cafe and the word "Avon" appeared in its title. I was drawn to the book's soft, inviting cover and began to read without much thought. As I did, I noticed a painting of a bird hanging on the cafe wall.
Since I had just completed this piece themed around birdsong, I felt a curious connection between the image, the book in my hands, and the thoughts still swirling in my mind. That sense of serendipity led me to choose Avon as the title.
The birds that inspired the motifs in this piece are all known for their distinctive and expressive voices - such as skylarks, narcissus flycatchers, Japanese grosbeaks, ruddy kingfishers, and blue-and-white flycatchers. Various types of birdsong are woven throughout the piece - from cheerful singing voices and lively rhythmic calls, to beautiful, fluent tones that resemble poetic recitation. Please immerse yourself in the experience by becoming different kinds of birds, tuning in your ears, and fully enjoying their songs and chatter.
There are no particular performance notes, but due to the required setup, it is preferable for 1st Percussion to perform with the arrangement shown in the diagram.
(Jerry Grasstail)
