It's not like any standard percussion concerto, mostly non-traditional instruments with their own challenges.
The solo part itself is not very rhythmically challenging, but adding water to the mix made it interesting. A good part of the preparation was in discovering different sounds for each instrument and the development of the cadenzas. I spent a good amount of time just playing with the water. First working out the sounds required for the piece and then other sounds for the open sections that are aurally different and visually interesting. Being amplified, certain dynamics were difficult to control. The water can only get so loud, and playing very soft was difficult on few of the instruments. Tan Dun did a very good job orchestrating the sounds in with the orchestra. I also used distance to the microphone to control some dynamics. I found that the water shaker brought out all of these issues and was the most difficult to control.
I made a brief video demonstrating most of the "instruments" used in the composition.
The orchestra rented the instruments and I added a few of my own. Below are pictures of what I did for a set up. I set up two tables on either side of the bowls.
I ended not taking all of the written tempo markings. While some of the parts were difficult to play at the written markings, I found that the faster markings felt frantic. The slower tempo gave the piece a nice smooth groove and gave certain sections an opportunity to breathe. I wanted more of a calm stream instead of rapids. The writing on its own increased in intensity and thickness of texture.
The 7/16 time signature and syncopated rhythms will challenge any orchestra. After practicing to a metronome for a long time, playing with the real thing was an eye opener getting closer to the performance. Things worked out in the end. A great visual and aural experience for the audience.
It was a great experience getting to perform it. Got my hands wet. Maybe I'll get another opportunity to perform this or another of his nature themed concerti.
If you're interested in the piece, you can find previews online from a DVD performance that was released in 2009.
