Invocation calls for solo percussion, digital delay processing pedal, and pre-recorded sound design. From the Latin root “invocare”, invocation essentially refers to the act of “calling on, invoking, or giving.” Due to the nature of this project, I’m quite fascinated with the concept of certain cultures using percussive instruments to “invoke spirits” or “call on the Gods”, so to speak. The sounds of the delays for the various percussion instruments in this work, combined with the haunting sound design, was my attempt to portray this type of spiritual prayer that is spread throughout various religions, faiths, and cults. Therefore I make no reference to any specific religion or creed, but rather a musical approach to the act of prayer that is universal. Invocation was commissioned by Tim Williams as part of Psappha Ensemble’s Composing for Percussion Scheme and was recorded at Hallé St. Michaels in Manchester, England on May 6, 2017.
