"Circuit Breaker" by Gene Koshinski

Performed by Quey Percussion Duo (Gene Koshinski and Tim Broscious) with the University of Minnesota Duluth Graduate Percussion Ensemble (Jordan Holley, Jody Morgan, Doug Quance, and Michael Taylor)
MALLETS: Innovative Percussion Legacy Series 7A Sticks, RS40 Vibraphone Mallets (IP-JT23s used in the video are an older, harder stick), IP-360 Rubber Mallets, Artisan Series IP5003 (1 bass mallet position) and IP5004 (top 3 mallets). [NJZ mallets in the video are discontinued]
Program Notes
Circuit Breaker, scored for percussion sextet, functions as a concertino for percussion duo with percussion quartet accompaniment. While there is no set program, the impetus for the piece came from images of robots dancing. Initially, I was intrigued by a video of twenty synchronized "Noa" robots dancing in perfect unison, but the aesthetic of the music did not seem to fit the visual image. This posed the question, "What kind of music would a robot dance to?" This question conjured up a variety of ideas and sounds from mechanical and industrial to unusual and whimsical. Circuit Breaker takes the listener through a series of musical scenes that offer a response to this abstract question.
While the concept of the work is somewhat light and humorous, the score itself is both technically and musically demanding, particularly for the soloists. The piece ranges in aesthetic and includes music that is angular, free, motoric, conversational, improvisatory, and of course groove-oriented. Simply put, the piece is full of color and fun!
-Gene Koshinski
"Circuit Breaker" was commissioned by:
Angleton High School Percussion Ensemble (Mr. Charles Fricker, project organizer), Alvin Community College (David Griffith & Shane Gormley), Bob Cole Conservatory of Music (Dr. Dave Gerhart), Brazosport College (Richard Birk), CAn-Duo Percussion (Chris Nadeau and Anthony Jackson)w/ Paradox Percussion Project (Brandon Kelly, Rich Bono, Matt Rush, Michael Dooley), Georgetown High School (Cliff Croomes & Jed Leach), John B. Alexander High School (Christopher Lunsford), Quey Percussion Duo (Gene Koshinski & Tim Broscious), Smithson Valley High School Ranger Band (David Stephenson, Dain Vereen & Jeff Yates), University of Delaware (Harvey Price), and West Chester University (Dr. Chris Hanning)

[@tobiasts9281]

Erstklassig !!

[@arrowfitzgibbon7775]

the relationship between the pitched and semi pitched instruments is pretty cool.

[@Wind_Breaker000]

Unbelievable!

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Hi James, glad you enjoy the piece. This is my work - yes, all written out and composed with the exception of a 3-4 minute section where the 2 soloists participate in a guided improvisation (around 3:00). Thanks for listening!

[@bingbingbongbong2615]

MAN !!!!!!!! Damn entertaining . Percussion playground. Really...really really really cool.

[@rodneykenemore4239]

Loves you

[@marSLaZZ66]

"Bing Bing Bong Bong" ...are you percussionnist or something ? 😄

[@Joeos5]

Really nice textures and sound scapes. Excellent from another perrcussionist.

[@theanswertois-fq7pd]

that brake drum yo!!!!!

[@audicoes]

A great performer and composer for percussion of our times. Great recommendation, KZbin.

[@NicoVaudagna]

Could not stop dancing in the end !! :D :D

[@matthewv789]

I just want to say that you’ve joined my shortlist of people whose videos I like before even watching, because they’re always interesting.

[@vetlerradio]

Gene, this is phenomenal!

[@rtl4x4]

superb tension & resolution toward the end - it felt like a really good soundtrack for a silent thriller film

[@bhoenix3213]

As well as your music, I love your set-ups. A lot of them look so cool. It's also really fun to watch you play.

[@gustavoberocan]

This piece of music definitely broke my circuit. Amazing!

[@MrRichiekaye]

Loved it! I wanted to stand up there on stage with a megaphone and shout BANG BONG BING with the accents. Lots of fun.

[@marSLaZZ66]

Bravo!!! 👏👏👏

[@williampamblanco]

This was exactly what I needed to hear today. Loved it, great job!

[@dominiqueciancio1811]

Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@onurertemmusic]

Miyazaki of the Percussions &Time Illusions!!!

[@theprettiestfnord2399]

when the drum circle is classically trained

[@rillloudmother]

love the bowed xylophone!

[@michaelsmith5852]

That. Was. Fucking. Incredible!!!!

[@alainlemoal2643]

Really excellent ,very musical that one does not always go in the type of composition ,

[@larsvanthuyne3487]

This is awesome!

[@mauriciodelpino2648]

increíble, maravilloso

[@lewishunt7751]

This is so incredibly good!

[@ewalk369]

This is amazing! Did I hear a rubber chicken squeaking? 😂 Seriously though, this is a masterpiece!

[@Ian-xh4vt]

Wow!! Nice job!

[@americanpercussioninstruments]

GREAT !!!!!!!!!!

[@prickyX]

Elements of King Crimson.

[@diremelbourne]

very unsettling

[@rC-os8dl]

Very good playing I like it very much. By the way, which vibra mallets do you use?

[@genekoshinskimusic]

wish I remembered... ?

[@scotty6124]

Where do you get such massive atoke bells? They sound amazing! As does everything you do.

[@genekoshinskimusic]

I got them from a West African musician in Minneapolis. He imports instruments and has a massive collection at his home. I spent almost 2 hours going through bells...hahaha

[@johnnyquest6115]

I wonder what Beethoven would have done if he was told these are the only instruments he can play with?

[@JBS5022]

Who's creative imagination created this musical master piece? I see sheet music and I see that its written music.....was this ever selected for a movie? It sounds like a movie sound tract.

[@pops1507]

Gag

[@NoctisWxlf]

I'm sorry i just ruined the perfect 600 but it was to good

[@raivismisjuns2571]

Great work! Can someone please tell me what is the instrument that Tim Broscious is playing at the beggining? Thanks!

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Those are West African bells called "atoke"

[@BLDUBMUSIC]

this made me feel extremely uncomfortable lmfao