TCP: Resounding Earth 2.0

Explore the captivating sounds and rich history of various types of bells with the "Resounding Earth" app by the Grammy-winning quartet, Third Coast Percussion.

In 2012, the esteemed composer Augusta Read Thomas composed a groundbreaking musical piece specifically for Chicago's Third Coast Percussion. The composition, titled "Resounding Earth," showcases a diverse collection of over 125 bells sourced from different corners of the globe. Through this innovative app, users can experience playing several of these remarkable bells while delving into their cultural significance and origins.

Augusta Read Thomas, a recipient of multiple Grammy awards, served as the Mead Composer-in-Residence at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1997 to 2006. Her illustrious career includes induction into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2009, continued roles on the American Music Center Board since 2000, recognition as a finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, and distinction as the 16th University Professor at the University of Chicago. “Resounding Earth,” a four-movement masterpiece, emerged from an extensive collaborative effort between Augusta Read Thomas and Third Coast Percussion. Their joint endeavor resulted in a distinctive bell collection and an unprecedented sonic landscape.

Third Coast Percussion's rendition of "Resounding Earth" is available on CD and DVD through New Focus Recordings. Audiences across the nation can witness the quartet’s live performances of this remarkable composition on concert stages. In 2017, Third Coast Percussion premiered a new bell concerto with orchestra titled "Sonorous Earth," further solidifying their innovative exploration into these enchanting musical instruments.