Diabolus Ex Machina
for Wind Ensemble & Electronics - Jim Bonney (b.1971)
duration: approx. 5'30"
grade: 5
Commissioned by The University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, dedicated to Randall O. Coleman.
Diabolus Ex Machina harnesses the colors and textures of "djent" heavy metal and industrial electronica, and combines them with the powerful acoustic properties of the wind ensemble, to generate a brutal sonic onslaught. A simple audio setup (similar to the one required for Steven Bryant's Ecstatic Waters) brings the electronic underpinning to life. Electric guitar and bass guitar parts are optional for live performance with the ensemble (if the director prefers, these parts are covered in a "plus guitars" version of the electronic track).
[NOTE: due to changes in the score from the original performance (in bars 64-72), the wind ensemble and guitars drop out of this recording from 1:33-1:42]