Sabulum Reptilia (1985)
for piccolo, percussion quintet and tape

Duration: 15'00"
Instrumentation: piccolo, percussion quintet and tape (click here for specific percussion instrumentation, performance notes and set-up diagram)
Premiere: Eastman Percussion Ensemble, John Beck, conductor, Eastman School of Music Eastman Theater, Rochester, NY, November 25, 1986.
Publisher: Robert Paterson Music (ASCAP)

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Program Notes

I came upon the idea for Sabulum Reptilia while strolling through the Reptile House at the Buffalo Zoo. While I watched the reptiles move about in their glass-walled cages, I noticed that they moved in a way that was very rhythmical. I then decided that it would be fun to base a composition on their mystical rhythms. In the process, I would attempt to convert a few of the rhythms into melodies and harmonies. This was not very easy, considering that reptiles do not make any vocal sounds except an occasional “hiss” or two. While writing this work I also took into consideration many other aspects of reptiles besides the way they moved. Origin, size, looks and stereotypes of certain reptiles all played a role.

The piece begins with a recording of various taped sounds that are intended to set the audience in the right frame of mind as well as introduce the theme. At the end of the third movement the recording of the taped sounds is replayed in order to restate the introduction.

Sabulum Reptilia was written for my first composition teacher, William Ortiz Alvarado, and it is dedicated to him. It is the first true ensemble piece I ever wrote for more than two musicians performing at the same time.