back to repertoire page

- Eagle, Michael: The Sword of Sound

  1. -marimba, vibraphone, cimbalom, glock, various percussion

  2. -8 min

  3. -Click here for audio clip              

The Sword of Sound is an original composition inspired by the natural musical tendencies and talents of Axiom Percussion.  With unique specialties including Scottish side drumming, concert cimbalom, shekere, mbira, djembe, and doumbek, artistic director and composer Michael Eagle has combined this rare combination of sounds into a mighty ‘sword’ in which only Axiom Percussion and wield.  The 8 minute work begins with Eagle performing on different hand drums with sticks showcasing a very musical a flashy display of contemporary Scottish snare drumming along with a dash of modern ‘drum corps style’ play.  The marimba, played by Andy Beall, whispers in with a longing and lyrical progression as cimbalom artist Richard Grimes presents a haunting and syncopated melodic line.  Though the instrumentation is quite varied and contrasting, the piece is able to find cohesion between the voices and lines as segments and solo features are constantly developing and intertwined with one another.  This new and original work is the trademark opening for most of the trio’s programs and suites any audience.