Motus 2 (1998)
(for percussion quartet)

Music for percussion instruments is not generally associated with something flowing or with gentle evolution. In this piece, however, I sought to attain precisely this sort of continuous evolution by means of percussion sonorities. By systematically alternating between duple and non-duple rhythms I was able to produce contrasting vertical overlaps conveying the impression of tempo changes on different levels.

The pice falls into three sections. The first is governed by the xylophone, vibraphone and two marimbas. After the tom-tom makes its apearance, this section climaxes in a rock-like orgy of rhythms. The middle section stands out in contrast with a static melodiousness produced on the xylophone and cymbal, both of which are stroked with double bass bow. The third section, played with great intensity, ultimately achieves a sort of synapsis.

Erkki-Sven Tüür