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Atoms For 4

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Composer: Heng LIU

Instrument: Percussion Quartet

Level: Advanced

Published: 2021

  • Description

    • Atoms for 4 is based on the concept from atomic collision, which can produce a lot of energy because of the mass loss, and the mass is converted into energy.

      With support from Koda’s Cultural Funds.

  • Instrumentation

    • Each player have:
      1 Tom-Tom (from high to low for player 1 to player 4)
      1 Anvil (cans, dishes, small gongs or anything made by metal, from high to low for player 1 to player 4)

      There are 2 cymbals in the set-up:
      1 splash cymbal, shared by player 1 and player 2
      1 ride cymbal, shared by player 3 and player 4

  • Review (Percussive Notes, February 2022)
  • The score for “Atoms for 4” is beautifully engraved with clear notation, a suggested setup, and a notational symbol guide. The piece calls for four percussionists to be arranged in a square pattern facing each other, each with one drum, one piece of metal, and two shared cymbals. The minimal nature of the setup makes the piece extremely doable for any percussion program.

    Though the instruments are minimal, Heng Liu makes excellent use of playing positions, stroke type, and movement between the drums to make for a rich timbral palette. The piece is energetic, with drum hits, accents, and buzzes popping out of the texture to create a rhythmic melody. The players move around the setup, so there is a choreography aspect, which requires high ensemble playing skills. There are constantly changing meters, and all four players need decent drumming chops. The piece could easily become overly bombastic if the players aren’t careful to follow Liu’s carefully written dynamics.

    “Atoms for 4” would be a great addition to an advanced high school or college percussion ensemble concert, especially if instrument availability or rehearsal space is limited. It would be a good opportunity for young players to experiment with choosing sounds and tuning drums to create a pleasing composite sound.

    —Marilyn K. Clark Silva