John Psathas' 4BY4 (2012) is a high-energy and challenging multi-percussion work that takes ensemble- playing to the edge of technical possibility. It is also a highly entertaining work with its inclusion of genre-defying grooves and polyrhythmic complexity. Each player is assigned a unique combination of instruments, including tom-toms, cymbals, congas, snare drums, hi-hats and tambourine. All players use kick-drums, which unify the quartet and underpin the work's momentum. "If Dave Weckl, Christopher Lamb, Steven Schick and Giovanni Hidalgo - all percussion virtuosi from widely different genres - were to have a jam session, I can't help but think that it would sound something like 4BY4," Dr. Omar Carmenates (Furman University, SC, USA).
John Psathas is a New Zealand freelance composer and teacher who, at a relatively early stage in his career, has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. His works are championed around the world by a growing number of leading international artists, one of the most consistent of whom has been the Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Initially making a name for himself as a composer of high-energy percussion music, more recently the composer has concentrated on a series of larger-scale concertante works. A major career highlight to date has been the commission to compose the ceremonial music for the opening and closing of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In 2005 John Psathas was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.
