WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES ME (revised 2025)
(duration ~ 20:00)
Concerto for percussion & orchestra

When the Clock Strikes Me …….
So begins the poem by contemporary American writer Saul Williams, an edgy, declamatory work that explores a sequence of disarming and life affirming revelations, the central theme being that some moments are so profound they transcend time and space, creating a lasting, collective impact.
The recurring clock reference that begins each verse is adapted for musical purpose, a returning leitmotif, twisted and transformed with each reprise.
Our soloist begins by utilising a curious kit of junk metal, tuned cowbells and wooden temple blocks to create a parody of an animated ticking clock.
The pulse is halted, distorted, backfires, accelerates and decelerates eventually dragging the full orchestra into a heavily accented big-dipper of undulating contours and flamboyant rhythmic pattern exchanges.
In a single movement, the concerto is a re-working of a piece of the same name originally commissioned by the Sydney Symphony in 2006.
Suspecting that some of the ideas in the original version might benefit from further development, I have cherry picked a few of my favourite moments for the purpose of creating something new and more concise.
I am indebted to percussionist Rebecca Lagos for her advice on the ergonomic layout of the percussion set-up, and also her stunning virtuosity and enthusiasm.

When the Clock Strikes Me(Percussion concerto – revised 2025) was commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, with the generous support of Geoff Stearn and is written for and dedicated to Rebecca Lagos.

Permission to use the title When the Clock Strikes Me has been generously granted by Saul Williams writer, musician, poet, director and actor.

Percussion solo part – $50.00 + GST
A3 Score – $120.00 + GST
A4 Score – $60.00 + GST

To order printed score and parts of this work please contact info@rimshot.com.au

For more info, please view the print music catalogue