“30: The Second and Third Decades” by Mark Applebaum — Sam Houston Percussion Group

Notes by Mark Applebaum: “30, a work for large percussion ensemble, was written for my wife, Joan, on the occasion of our thirtieth anniversary. The piece is dedicated with tremendous gratitude to percussionist Terry Longshore whose generous friendship, dedication, and artistry have been a beacon for years. It was commissioned by a consortium of twenty-one enthusiastic ensembles, including Sam Houston State University.

The work consists of three independent pieces that may be played individually or simultaneously: The First Decade for solo percussion; The Second Decade for percussion quartet; and The Third Decade for percussion septet. As a compositional puzzle I wrestled with the challenge of crafting pieces that would fit together as a meaningful whole, but, when unpacked, produce independent musical ideas of different meaning.

Many thanks to my creative and intrepid percussion friends throughout the world, particularly the extraordinary consortium of individuals and ensembles who co-commissioned 30.”