Akrodha meaning ‘freedom from anger’ in Sanskrit was commissioned for international Percussion soloist Jonny Axelsson and written in 1998. Of this work composer Volans says ‘What would appear as a fairly moderate piece forKeyboard is amplified a hundredfold in difficulty and effect when translated into drum music…I had it turned out written an unspeakably difficult piece.’ The sheet music includes specific instructions on instrumentation andtonality ‘A pentatonic or diatonic scale is to be avoided’ though it is clear that the performer has some leeway to make his own choices of elements to create the sounds.Kevin Volans is a twentieth century composer andpianist who was born in South Africa and has had a variety of inspirational experiences including time spent studying with Karlheinz Stockhausen association with the New Simplicity movement research into African music andmany non-musical friendships and influences. Some of his most celebrated work have been his String quartets.
