Palm Reader

Benjamin Holmes

2 Players

Advanced Percussion Duet

Instrumentation: • 8 crotales (C, C#, D#, E, F#, G, A, A#) • 2 snare drums • Djembe (shared)

Combining asymmetrical rhythms with an octatonic melody, Benjamin Holmes’ percussion duet Palm Reader is a brilliantly tempestuous piece that features split rhythms and melodies, requiring the performers to know their own part as well as their partner’s.

Each performer has a set of four differently pitched crotales and a snare drum. They also share a djembe, which adds depth to the overall sound of the piece. With all of these instruments combined, the sound of the pieces cover a wide range of tones and timbres, giving it a full sound. This piece would be a great addition to any junior or senior recital, especially for advanced players looking to showcase their ability to split fast, intricate rhythms!

This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.