From Steel Drums to Percussion Ensemble: Time Stream Returns After 22 Years
Based on a beautiful and mysterious poem written by David Maslanka’s wife, the transformation of Time Stream from a steel drum ensemble piece to a keyboard ensemble is a natural progression to allow more people to experience this hidden gem.
Originally composed in 2002 and arranged in 2023, Maslanka’s original intent remains with the beauty, mystery, and melody capturing every breath and still moment.
Listen: Time Stream by David Maslanka, arranged by Dr. Brian Zator
2002, arr. 2023 • 12 min.
Available Now
“We were in tears during the final section of the Maslanka”
Lauren Teel
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Assistant Director of Percussion
Unveiling the Enigmatic Beauty of Time Stream
Time Stream takes a cherished chorale melody, “Durch Adams Fall” (“Through Adam’s Fall”), on a captivating journey of evolution. Within the confines of this old hymn tune lies profound mystery, which is echoed in the poem that inspired this music:
Message from a Stream in a Sacred Place
by Alison Matthews
Rock in the stream
The stream takes over.
Passage of time, passing of time.
Showing faces in the water,
Spirit faces, guardian faces,
Horse, deer, fox,
Human faces.
All eyes large, soft, luminous, passing through time.
Rock, stalwart and steady,
Move me if necessary.
Passage of time, allow.
Stream goes on, wears away even the largest of places.
Source of all and end of all.
Song is beguiling and beckoning.
Absolutely inviting to stillness.
Be still.
Allow.
Use me.
Transform me.
Allow.
“The entire concert was so outstanding. I particularly enjoyed your arrangement of Time Stream.”
Dr. Susan Martin Tariq
West Texas A&M University
Professor of Percussion
About the arranger, Dr. Brian Zator
Dr. Brian Zator is a highly accomplished percussionist and professor at Texas A&M University-Commerce, with a career spanning over two decades. He holds degrees from prominent institutions such as Baylor University, the University of Michigan, and the University of North Texas. Brian’s musical journey includes being a former student of the renowned marimba artist Keiko Abe, performing worldwide, including at Carnegie Hall and on five continents, and releasing notable recordings like “Zamiki: Music for Solo Marimba.” He is deeply involved in the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), having served as president and contributed significantly to the organization. Brian Zator is a published author and a performing artist and clinician for major percussion brands, demonstrating his commitment and influence in the percussion community.
“Such an enjoyable concert. The Maslanka had so many sonorities to explore.”
Dr. Eric Branscome
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Department Head and Professor of Music
“The Maslanka piece is such a great arrangement.”
Matt Ehlers
Dripping Springs High School
Director of Percussion
“The program was a perfect example of how a percussion ensemble can be just as musically rich as any other chamber group.”
Dr. Norm Weinberg
Professor Emeritus, University of Arizona