"BeyonD the bEnd" (2021) by Gene Koshinski

"BeyonD the bEnd" (2021) by Gene Koshinski
for percussion soloist with percussion ensemble
Performed by the University of Delaware Graduate Percussion Group
Gene Koshinski, solo percussion
Tim Broscious
Gabriel Labell
Kyle Skinner
Carl Tafoya
Video: Four Ten Media
Audio Capture: Nick Gingerich
Audio Editing: Gene Koshinski
Audio Mixing/Mastering: Andy Thompson
PROGRAM NOTES
BeyonD the bEnd is scored for percussion soloist with percussion ensemble (1 + 4 players) and was commissioned by the Ju Percussion Group. In the opening of the work the ensemble sings, in unison, chant-like lines that present, simultaneously, both the sonic thematic material and the poetic reference the piece is hinged on. Musically, the piece is tied to a three-note motive of Bb, Db, and Eb (those letters highlighted in the title) that can be heard throughout, initially heard in the opening voices and thread through the ensemble for the duration of the piece. This theme refrains from developing, yet transforms throughout the work as it morphs ever so slightly into various rhythmic patterns and bends in and out of different timbres within the ensemble. Concurrently, the work is structured around a poetic theme, which is inspired by a short unfinished poem by Brandon Reid Swaim:
When you bend something
It will strike back and bend you
This is the relationship
Between society and nature
Bending is a constant musical and literal theme as the composition specifically calls for many instruments that bend pitches such as talking drum, roto toms, singing, whistling, slide whistle, vibra-tone, and bending the pitches of the crotales by dipping them in water as they are being bowed. Another usage of the poetic reference is how the soloist interacts with the ensemble and how that relationship changes over time.

[@jimcasella]

Bravo, Gene! I remember when you performed this with Ju Percussion Group at PASIC and it was a memorable musical highlight. It's a treat to experience this piece again with such great performing and production. You're a such a wonderful, creative force. Thank you for your inspiring work! 👏👏👏

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Thanks Jim, always means a lot from you! That was all Ju though at PASIC, but they are such a fun group to watch, that’s for sure!

[@jimcasella]

@@genekoshinskimusic Of course! There’s my poor memory in full effect. My takeaway was Gene = rockstar which still holds true. 🤟🏻

[@genekoshinskimusic]

@@jimcasellahahaha thanks buddy, see you soon I hope!!

[@CaseyCangelosi]

Bravo all! Way to go buddy, my second full listen. Great 🎉

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Wow these videos play more than once?! Cool.... (thanks buddy)

[@CaseyCangelosi]

@@genekoshinskimusic haha

[@alexhall173]

hell yeah

[@coweepei]

This is so great! I love the sound of holding the chime tube❤

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Me too!

[@Xepher03]

this is my favorite episode of gkgh yet (gene koshinski greatest hits). can't wait to see the next thing you figure out how to do with the talking drum. how about a Takis drum. ¡Fuego!

[@leo47443]

Magnificent, many thanks from Italy-

[@joneseythedrummer3241]

Another amazing piece!! Your pieces are what inspired me to work on learning 4-mallet marimba. Percussion is amazing!!!!!

[@genekoshinskimusic]

♥

[@MajorMatthias]

thank you for sharing!

[@ToddKrill]

Decidedly Different Dynamic Drumming Definitely Delights! Bravo and Cheers!

[@syntheticdavid-eth]

Great guys !...feel good piece ! 😎👍🍻💐

[@novabigstar1509]

Amazing composition! Loved it! Bravo! So glad I have found your channel and I love your work!

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Thank you so much!

[@MrGravicaper]

Excellent! It's like diving into the world of voiced mathematical formulas and physical laws. I roughly understand how to create such an artistic canvas in an audio program, then learn the result and present it to the public. But if it is initially composed on a musical instrument and recorded on notes, then it is black magic.

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Thanks so much!

[@sadredinesmaily8283]

cool, How do you record these sessions? Is this film has taken as you played the audio that we are hearing now?

[@genekoshinskimusic]

yes - audio first, then video. Pretty standard these days...