Works

Percussive Notes (February, 1997, used by permission)

Congo Square is an 8-minute “percussion ensemble composition for eight percussionists. It requires an extensive array of percussion instruments [approximately 50] some of which are not standard in many percussion departments, e.g., button gong, slit drums, jaw harp, boobams and Kalimba.

The program notes indicate that Congo Square was an eighteenth-century gathering place for slaves just outside the rampart (wall) of New Orleans.

The composer explains that Congo Square make no attempt to recreate the music that might have been heard, but to show simultaneous performance of contrasting musics and a close interaction between the percussion soloist of each individual group. The ensemble is divided into two groups of four.

Congo Square is a challenging and rewarding composition to perform. Hayden’s contrasting percussion quartets create a confusion of sound at times, causing one to wonder if all the players know where they are. But out of confusion comes moments of understanding and rhythmic intensity. The work requires a good Kalimba player and a set of six boobams are a must. The other parts are not extremely difficult, but do require attention to detail and quality sound.” —John Beck