King Worm
| Date Composed: | 2003 |
| Composer: | Patrick Graham |
| Arrangement: | Patrick Graham and Kiyoshi Nagata |
| Premiere Performance: | November 13, 2003 – Harbourfront Centre |
Irish drumming’s well known diplomat is a frame drum known as the bodhran. Generally played with a short beater, and using an unusual wrist technique, the modern style of bodhran playing, uses pitch changing to great effect.
In King Worm, I wanted to juxtapose the somewhat jovial (at least in my mind) nature of the bodhran with an ensemble sound that evoked a sense of the regal. This arrangement, in close collaboration with Kiyoshi Nagata, features taiko ensemble, which suits the character of the rhythms perfectly.
-Patrick Graham