TekPercussion - User contributions [en]

Reflections on the Nature of Water

2023-08-12T22:05:05Z

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[[Jacob Druckman]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1986 
'''Duration''': c. 15:30 
'''Difficulty''': VI (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[B&H]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==
1. “Crystalline” 
2. “Fleet” 
3. “Tranquil” 
4. “Gently Swelling” 
5. “Profound” 
6. “Relentless" 


== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] 



== Program Notes ==
Composer's Notes:
Reflections on the Nature of Water is a small payment toward a very large debt. There were primarily two composers, Debussy and Stravinsky, whose music affected me so profoundly during my tender formative years that I had no choice but to become a composer. It is to Debussy that I'd off my hat with these reflections of his magical preludes.

Reflections on the Nature of Water is comprised of several short movements, each with a contrasting character. It was written for [[William Moersch]], and with his counsel, for which I am indebted.<ref>https://www.boosey.com/cr/music/Jacob-Druckman-Reflections-on-the-Nature-of-Water/6371</ref>

--------
Druckman used Reflections on the Nature of Water as an homage to Claude Debussy, whose Preludes had inspired the young composer. It was Monet’s painting “Reflections on Water” that inspired Debussy’s “Reflections In the Water,” from Images, Book One (1905).

Druckman likewise paints the musical text for the listener by titling each of the work’s six pieces. “Crystalline,” with its thematic material, paints a picture of a change in the water’s consistency. “Fleet,” with a quick pace, ebbs and flows. Sharp interruptions punctuate and disrupt the flow of the piece with a calculated persistence. The third piece, “Tranquil,” exists as a pulsating, almost hypnotic and meditative entity of its own.<ref>http://vicfirth.com/reflections-on-the-nature-of-water-by-jacob-druckman/</ref>

=== Review ===
Back in 1986 at the PASIC in Washington, DC one of the featured concerts at the Kennedy Center was a performance by marimbists William Moersch, Leigh Howard Stevens and Gordon Stout. This one concert has generated solo music for the marimba from three of the leading composers in the states today, Jacob Druckman, John Corigliano and Roger Reynolds. These marimba works were commissioned by Moersch, Stevens and Stout through the National Endowment for the Arts. Reflections on the Nature of Water is the latest of these works to be published. Premiered and recorded by Moersch on Newport Classic CD records, Reflections is written in six movements. Pulitzer prize winner Druckman indicates in the program notes that "Reflections on the Nature of Water considers some of the many aspects of water through the liquid sounds of the marimba." Crystalline is the tide of the first movement. It is highlighted by irregular entrances of soft and rapid grace notes. The texture is thin and the obvious imitation of dripping water is undeniable. The next movement, Fleet, is a quick excursion featuring digital stick permutation figures. As the piece lifts and falls, dramatic accents are utilized as guide posts to the climax of the movement. This swift style is followed by the slower and serene third movement, Tranquil. Here legato lines are interspersed with gently flowing 32nd note runs and a chorale of sorts is introduced. The last three movements build in momentum creating an explosive ending. Gently Swelling is written over multi-meters and is quite demanding of the performer. An inserted mysterioso section creates a sense of agitation before a return to the main thematic material. The fifth movement, Profound, is freely structured on time intervals and is the most abstract section of Druckman's work. An improvisational feel with punctuated grace note swells bring this movement to a quiet ending. The finale is a driving section based on a sixteenth note triplet figure. Entitled Relentless, this movement is full of dynamic and rhythmic contrast as it builds to the final chord. Reflections on the Nature of Water is approximately 16 minutes long and is written for a low F marimba. However, Druckman has adapted the work for a low A marimba by inserting register adjustments where necessary. This new work for solo marimba will be hard to ignore if you are an aspiring marimbist or college percussion instructor. It requires an experienced performer with dauntless technique. With composers like Druckman writing quality new works for the marimba, it is a sure guess that the marimba world is out of its infancy. - Mark Ford<ref>http://www.pas.org/resources/research/research-compositions</ref>

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==

===Online Recordings===
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ck38fSwrQc</embedvideo> 
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiWh_-ZTMW8</embedvideo> 







==Recent Performances==
World Premiere:11/7/1986 - Kennedy Center, Washington DC - William Moersch (marimba) 

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{ Druckman, Jacob Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==
Dissertation: [https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4879/m2/1/high_res_d/dissertation.pdf https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc4879/m2/1/high_res_d/dissertation.pdf]



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Historical Works]]

Northern Lights

2023-08-12T22:04:40Z

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[[Eric Ewazen]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1989 
'''Duration''': c. 14:00 
'''Difficulty''': VI (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Marimba Required''': 5 Octave 
'''Publisher''': [[KPP]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] 



== Program Notes ==

==Annotations==
Written for Gordon Stout, this piece is so beautifully composed that it almost programmatically mirrors the light refraction phenomenon it is named after. This piece demands many techniques, and takes the soloist through many styles in the piece’s various sections. Opening with a chorale that explores the richness of the marimba. The piece then introduces a cascade of notes as the left hand switches from melodic to accompanimental playing as the right hand provides the melody, then switches back again. The chorale, and this quicker style of playing are then almost combined as a 6/8 passage once again visits the darker, resonance of the marimba, all the while the notes seeming to fly by. One-handed rolls must also be utilized and be able to be performed well, as in one section, a one-handed roll at the extreme highs of the marimba must match the intensity of the double stopped notes playing below. The most challenging aspect of this piece however would be the double handed double stop section that takes the player into the falling action toward the end. The triplet section of a left hand double stop and mallet positions 3 and 4 following quickly after must be mastered in order for the section to be effective. The marimbist this piece is written for, Gordon Stout, can be heard on the CD: Percussion Music of Eric Ewazen. This piece is published by Keyboard Percussion Publications.

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==
Gordon Stout - Percussion Music of Eric Ewazen



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Ewazen, Eric Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Percussion]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Solo Percussion Repertoire Works]]
[[Category:Solo Marimba Repertoire Works]]
[[Category:5.0 Octave Range Works]]

Marimba Spiritual

2023-08-12T22:04:12Z

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[[Minoru Miki]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1984 
'''Duration''': c. 15:00 
'''Difficulty''': VI (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[Norsk]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $26.95   |   Score Only - $0.00 

== Instrumentation ==
Soloist: 5 Octave [[Marimba]] 
Percussionists: High/Medium/Low Drums, [[Gong]]s, Gankogui, Piccolo [[Woodblocks]], [[Log Drums]] 



== Program Notes ==
Marimba Spiritual by Minoru Miki is one of the most well-known, widely performed, and historically important pieces for marimba ever written. This piece of music gained even wider fame when it was highlighted on Broadway with the show Blast! Written as a response to the starvation and famine happening in Africa during the 1980's, this solo is written in two distinct sections: a slow, static requiem followed by a lively resurrection. The second section is often performed by itself. This original version of Marimba Spiritual is written for solo marimba accompanied by three percussionists on traditional Japanese instruments, and is the recommended way to perform the piece to gain the maximum intended effect. More easily attainable percussion instruments can be substituted. The opening requiem is accompanied by ethereal metallic and wooden sounds that are reminiscent of a Japanese temple, and the lively resurrection features traditional drumming (including a drum solo that demands serious single stroke chops). Getting every body to play together - especially in the nebulous opening - can be a challenge. Marimbists playing this piece should definitely be prepared to burn through blistering single-independent and single-alternating strokes in the second section. It's fast, incredibly energetic, and will certainly make an exciting and virtuosic closer for any recital.

--------

In late 1983, Minoru MIKI received the request from Ms. Keiko Abe to compose new marimba piece with three percussionists. She had a chance to perform new piece with Dutch percussionists in next year.

Miki composed "Time for Marimba" in 1968, and "Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra" in 1969. However in 1964 he founded "Pro Musica Nipponia", a historically initial ensemble consisting of all sort of Japanese traditional instruments. Over the next twenty years he worked hard to compose many different types of pieces for them and to produce them not only in Japan but all over the world. He sought to realize new possibilities for this musical style. Also in 1975, he began to compose opera series along Japanese long history since 5th Century to 19th Century.
So he did not resume composing for the marimba until 1983.

During that year, he decided to retire from Pro Musica Nipponia to concentrate on the creation of operas, as he felt that he had completed his present aim in expanding the repertoire for traditional Japanese instruments.

When Miki completed the vocal score of the 1st Act of his third opera "Joruri", Ms. Abe just asked him to compose a new marimba piece with three percussionists. For him, it was rare opportunity to compose his third marimba piece. He started thinking about the piece on Christmas day in 1983, and completed it on January 13th, 1984. A NHK producer agreed to commission the piece at Ms. Abe's request.

This was also the year that many people died in Africa from starvation. As a person who had experienced similar suffering before and after the end of World War II, Miki could not be silent. Rather he felt that he must express his condolences and anger for that situation. He therefore composed the first slow section as a static requiem, and the second fast section as lively resurrection. The title "Marimba Spiritual" is as expression of the total process.

Many performers and listeners have been curious about the mode of the first section, wondering whether or not the composer was consciously combining a number of different scales. Although Miki has welcomed such interpretation and analysis, he insists he had no specific model in mind when composing the piece, but rather that he gave his imagination free reign over the harmonic and melodic material.

The rhythm and note patterns are strictly noted throughout the piece, but as for the three percussion parts, only the relative pitches and tone qualities (for the first part, metal and wood percussion instruments; for the second part, skin drums) are noted. There is some freedom, but the performers should pay much attention to balance between each section. The rhythmic patterns for the second part are taken from the festival drumming of the Chichibu area northwest of Tokyo.

The total duration is approximately 14 minutes.

The world premiere was given on March 18, 1984 at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam with Ms. Abe and the Nieuwe Slagwek Groep Amsterdam. After the premiere, Ms. Abe premiered the piece in many countries in Europe and America, each time with different percussion ensembles. After its publication by Ongaku No Tomo Sha, Tokyo in 1989 (Since 2009, the original publisher moved to "Zen-On Music Co., Ltd.") countless groups performed the piece probably several thousand times. Also, many CDs of this piece exist in the world (for example, see Discography in this URL). In 1988, the Safri Duo played the piece with only two people. The recording was so excellent that Miki gave them permission to arrange the piece and named the result "Marimba Spiritual 2" (see www.amazingmusicworld.com). The Safri Duo performed the piece more than 700 times all over the world throughout the 1990's. Both the original piece and "Marimba Spiritual 2" have frequently appeared in many different venues, from TV CM to numerous contemporary music festivals<ref>http://www.m-miki.com/en/publish/Marimba.html#ConcertForMarimba</ref>
===Premiere Details===
The piece was commissioned by NHK, but marimba player [[Keiko Abe]] requested the particular arrangement for marimba. The first performance was on March 18, 1984 in Amsterdam with Ms. [[Keiko Abe]] and the Nieuwe Slagwek Groep Amsterdam.

=== Review ===

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==

===Online Recordings===

<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtNcsY5_FfQ</embedvideo>





==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Miki, Minoru Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Historical Works]]
[[Category:Percussion Ensemble Works]]
[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Percussion Trio Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Concerto Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Concerto Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Concerto With Percussion Ensemble Works]]
[[Category:5.0 Octave Range Works]]

Polaris

2023-08-12T22:03:55Z

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[[Mark Ford]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1995 
'''Duration''': c. 9:30 
'''Difficulty''': IV (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Marimba Required''': 4.5 Octave (Lowest Note F2) 
'''Publisher''': [[Innovative]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] low f 



== Program Notes ==

==Annotations==
Named after what is commonly referred to as the North Star, this piece is based on a rhythmic theme in ⅞. Not necessarily set in a specific time signature, the composer rather writes in a romantic style, writing out music that the composer wants to hear rather than following a specific set of theory rules. This four-mallet piece opens with slowly moving rolled closed chords. Which moves into an allegro giving the syncopated theme of the piece. Written in a modified rondo form, there are two ostinatos that help unify the music. Challenging aspects of this piece include what is probably the most predominant aspect of this piece, which is the tempo. In order to play this piece effectively, a groove must be established by playing a strict tempo, and by doing that, the melodic are able to be brought out and ‘float’ over the tapestry of ‘groove’ notes. Close one-handed intervals ranging from seconds to fourths, are also utilized throughout the entire piece, the performer must also be comfortable going from very close intervals to wide intervals quickly. Published by Innovative Percussion, Mark Ford has a recording of himself playing the piece that can be found on YouTube.

=== Review ===
Mark Ford has distinguished himself as a scholar, a ne performer and as the composer of popular percussion works such as Head Talk and Stubernic. In Polaris, Ford delivers another winning composition. Polaris is an unaccompanied one-movement composition requiring the use of a 4 1/2- octave (low-F) marimba. Mainly in 7/8 time, Polaris is in rondo form utilizing two ostinato patterns to help unify the work. The work opens with a brief chorale setting. The intervals between the notes of the chords used in this section become the foundation of much of the melodic material to come. Polaris proceeds into a fast, driving pattern-oriented tour de force for advanced four-mallet marimbists. Beginning subtly, the ostinato patterns are established, the melodic material presented and eventually developed. The work is primarily of a tonal nature, in minor modes, but does employ a recurring melodic motive of a perfect fourth to a minor second to another perfect fourth. This motive is also material for development. Adding interest as the work progresses, the melody shifts from one voice to another and reappears in thirds and sixths. Rhythmically, Polaris incorporates much constant 16th-note material with sections of syncopated motives. Approximately 9 1/2 minutes in length, Polaris possesses a substantial amount of interesting melodic, harmonic and rhythmic material. This composition not only will challenge the marimbist, but will satisfy performers and audiences alike. Rightfully so, I expect Polaris will nd its way to a variety of percussion recitals. - Rich Holly, April 1997<ref>http://www.pas.org/resources/research/ResearchCompos.aspx</ref>

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==

===Online Recordings===




==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Ford, Mark Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 
[[Category:Solo Percussion]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Solo Percussion Repertoire Works]]
[[Category:Solo Marimba Repertoire Works]]
[[Category:4.5 Octave Range Works]]

Rhythm Song

2023-08-12T22:03:23Z

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[[Paul Smadbeck]]
== General Info ==
Year of Published: 1991 
Publisher: [[Keyboard Percussion Publications]] 
'''Difficulty''': II (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
Cost: $14.90 

== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]]

== Description ==
Paul Smadbeck's Rhythm Song is one of the most popular solo marimba works of all time and has been re-engraved in a clearer, easier to read and understand, composer-approved edition. Elements of African, Latin, Gamelan and Jazz Fusion. Can be performed as an unaccompanied solo or with any number of doublings in unison or at the octaves. Great for marimbistic get-togethers when several players know the work. Recorded by the composer and Evelyn Glennie.

== Recent Performance ==
<embedvideo service="youtube"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0LxYvzn7MM </embedvideo>

== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Smadbeck, Paul Works}}

== Reference ==

[[Category: Solo Works]]
[[Category: Marimba Works]]
[[Category: Examination Materials]]
[[Category: Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Percussion Examination Materials]]

Sea-Refractions

2023-08-12T22:02:54Z

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[[Image:changethistothecomposername.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Composer Name]]
[[Mitchell Peters]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 
'''Duration''': c. 6:35 
'''Difficulty''': I (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[PetersM]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] 



== Program Notes ==

== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Peters, Mitchell Works}}
 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 
[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Combined Percussion Examination Materials]]
[[Category:Tuned Percussion Examination Materials]]
[[Category:Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Percussion Examination Materials]]
[[Category:Trinity College London Percussion Examination Materials]]
[[Category:London College of Music Percussion Examination Materials]]

Yellow after the Rain

2023-08-12T22:02:17Z

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[[Mitchell Peters]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1971 
'''Duration''': 00:02:25 
'''Difficulty''': I (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[PetersM]] 
'''Cost''': $12.95 

== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] 



== Program Notes ==

===Online Review===
This is an unaccompanied solo for marimba requiring four-mallet technique. Both chordal and "rocker" techniques are employed in the handling of the four mallets. Spring 1972 <ref>[http://www.pas.org PAS.Org] Retrieved 5/19/2012</ref>

== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==
<embedvideo service="youtube"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIuZ4aLXzbk </embedvideo>

== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Peters, Mitchell Works}}
 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Historical Works]]
[[Category: ARSM Repertoire Works]]

Two Mexican Dances

2023-08-12T22:01:51Z

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[[Gordon Stout]]

== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1974 
'''Duration''': c. 5:15 
'''Difficulty''': IV (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[Studio 4]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==
Marimba



== Program Notes ==
dedication: to Warren Benson; premiere: 1974, Eastman School of Music by the composer (third prize 1975 Percussive Arts Society composition contest-tie with Reed Holmes' Dream Quest)

===Review===
This composition is one of the masterpieces for the marimba. Incorporating a sophisticated four mallet technic, it is difficult to perform. It is a most up-to-date composition, yet appeals to a wide audience and is in traditional notation. The layout is clear. The style of pagination is one that other publishers of percussion music would do well to note: one reversal of the complete layout is the only necessary page turn in each dance. The first dance is in ABA form. The first section incorporates a simple, hand-alternation pattern based around some complicated leaps. The middle section is free-flowing and leaping. The return of the initial idea is intensified through minute metric changes, producing a delightful syncopation which can play havoc on the performer. The second dance seems to appear to us from the marvelous world of the classical and Spanish guitar, Segovia and Almeida. Its intricacies involve the complete pitch and dynamic range of the instrument. The independent four mallet technic produces cascades of shimmering sounds. Several contrasting yet interlocking sections flow between the original statement and its transformation at the end. - Linda Pimentel 1977<ref>https://www.pas.org/resources/research/research-compositions</reF>

== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==
<embedvideo service="youtube"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oa_A7Ojlp0 </embedvideo>



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Stout, Gordon Works}}
 



== Additional Resources ==


 

== Reference ==

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:4.0 Octave Range Works]]

Two Mexican Dances

2023-08-12T22:01:34Z

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[[Gordon Stout]]

== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1974 
'''Duration''': c. 5:15 
'''Difficulty''': V (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[Studio 4]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==
Marimba



== Program Notes ==
dedication: to Warren Benson; premiere: 1974, Eastman School of Music by the composer (third prize 1975 Percussive Arts Society composition contest-tie with Reed Holmes' Dream Quest)

===Review===
This composition is one of the masterpieces for the marimba. Incorporating a sophisticated four mallet technic, it is difficult to perform. It is a most up-to-date composition, yet appeals to a wide audience and is in traditional notation. The layout is clear. The style of pagination is one that other publishers of percussion music would do well to note: one reversal of the complete layout is the only necessary page turn in each dance. The first dance is in ABA form. The first section incorporates a simple, hand-alternation pattern based around some complicated leaps. The middle section is free-flowing and leaping. The return of the initial idea is intensified through minute metric changes, producing a delightful syncopation which can play havoc on the performer. The second dance seems to appear to us from the marvelous world of the classical and Spanish guitar, Segovia and Almeida. Its intricacies involve the complete pitch and dynamic range of the instrument. The independent four mallet technic produces cascades of shimmering sounds. Several contrasting yet interlocking sections flow between the original statement and its transformation at the end. - Linda Pimentel 1977<ref>https://www.pas.org/resources/research/research-compositions</reF>

== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==
<embedvideo service="youtube"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oa_A7Ojlp0 </embedvideo>



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Stout, Gordon Works}}
 



== Additional Resources ==


 

== Reference ==

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:4.0 Octave Range Works]]

Velocities

2023-08-12T22:01:07Z

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[[Image:changethistothecomposername.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Composer Name]]
[[Schwantner, Joseph]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1990 
'''Duration''': c.8:00 
'''Difficulty''': VII (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': Helicon 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==

Marimba (low E) 



== Errata ==



== Program Notes ==



==Awards==



== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

[[Category:Templates]]

Velocities

2023-08-12T22:00:59Z

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[[Image:changethistothecomposername.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Composer Name]]
[[Schwantner, Joseph]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1990 
'''Duration''': c.8:00 
'''Difficulty''': IV (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': Helicon 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==

Marimba (low E) 



== Errata ==



== Program Notes ==



==Awards==



== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

[[Category:Templates]]

Merlin

2023-08-12T22:00:43Z

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[[Andrew Thomas]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1985 
'''Duration''': c. 10:00 
'''Difficulty''': VII (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Publisher''': [[Margun Music]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==
I. Beyond the faint Edge of the World 
II. Time’s Way 


== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]]



== Program Notes ==

=== Review ===
Merlin is a marimba solo that was written in 1985 by Andrew Thomas. Commissioned by William Moersch, Merlin was premiered in 1987 at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York. Since then Moersch has performed this work extensively in his concert touring. Inspired by the Edwin Arlington Robinson poem, Merlin, which describes King Arthur's court and its destruction, this marimba solo is composed in two movements. The first movement is a slow chorale-like work. According to Thomas it depicts the knight Gawaine "looking from the battlements of Arthur's castle towards the horizon, sensing the terrible events to come."As expected the music creates an eerie atmosphere of an unsettled calm. Rarely is the chorale predictable as it moves to a loud climax before it drifts into a fading diminuendo. The second movement could easily be the battle after the calm. However, Thomas cites that this movement "is concerned with time and the dissolution of order during time's passage. Here the perceived downbeat of the music constantly shifts, creating a flickering texture with no resting point.” This reference is less of a programmatic point of view than the first movement, but none the less in a dramatic sense. The second movement is a fast virtuosic work that is full of musical and technical challenges. Rhythm is Thomas' vehicle as the music lifts and falls in shifting groupings of sixteenth notes over different meters. The work gradually increases in tempo as it approaches a charging fortissimo ending. Andrew Thomas' Merlin is an outstanding composition for solo marimba. It is approximately eleven minutes long and requires a low "F" instrument as well as an advanced marimbist. Performers who put in the time and dedication to preparing this music will easily be able to find a place on a recital program for Merlin. Hopefully Thomas will elect to compose more works for the marimba in light of Merlin's success. - Mark Ford, October 1993

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==

===Online Recordings===







==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



Performer - Jacob Ottmer - Movement I https://youtu.be/T8OU3DHnu7k

Performer - Jacob Ottmer - Movement II https://youtu.be/DltZWOw0PBY

== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Thomas, Andrew Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Historical Works]]
[[Category:4.5 Octave Range Works]]

Frogs

2023-08-12T22:00:24Z

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[[Keiko Abe]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1958 
'''Duration''': c. 3:00 
'''Difficulty''': III (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Range''': 4.0 Octave Range C3-C7 
'''Publisher''': [[Studio4]] 
'''Cost''': Score Only - $6.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] 4.0 



== Program Notes ==

===Review===
Of only intermediate difficulty, this charming work by the well-known Japanese marimbist should be enjoyed by performers and audiences alike. FROGS is in a "toccata" style and reminds this writer of miniature-type piano works by MacDowell and Ravel. The performer will need a rapid four mallet technique (although the piece is quite affective at tempos slower than marked), some mallet and hand independence, and the ability to quickly reach an octave. For the performer who has not developed a one handed independent roll, the octave rolls could be accomplished with a mandolin-type roll or eliminated entirely.<ref>http://www.pas.org/Learn/compresearch.aspx Linda Pimentel, Winter 1979</ref>

== Annotations ==
Keiko Abe’s earliest written marimba solo. Written in ABA form, its playful characteristic is one of the reasons it is percussionists favorite pieces to play. The piece shows Abe’s early compositional style of having melodic notes overlaying the harmonic structure. It has not developed into her usual style of having an ostinato playing in the left hand, but the triplet notes she does provide do a fine job of helping to set the mood of the piece. A brief ostinato between a g natural and d natural do allow for some melodic playing that would later develop into Abe’s distinctive style. The composer can be heard performing this piece on her CD: Marimba Fantasy. This piece is published by Studio 4 Productions. - Trevor Landreth (05/10/18)

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==
premiere: 1964, Tokyo, Japan, Keiko Abe, soloist

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Abe, Keiko Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:4.0 Octave Range Works]]
[[Category:Solo Percussion Repertoire Works]]
[[Category:Solo Marimba Repertoire Works]]
[[Category: ATCL Repertoire Works]]

Frogs

2023-08-12T22:00:12Z

Tmd00:

[[Keiko Abe]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1958 
'''Duration''': c. 3:00 
'''Difficulty''': IV (see [[Ratings]] for explanation) 
'''Range''': 4.0 Octave Range C3-C7 
'''Publisher''': [[Studio4]] 
'''Cost''': Score Only - $6.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]] 4.0 



== Program Notes ==

===Review===
Of only intermediate difficulty, this charming work by the well-known Japanese marimbist should be enjoyed by performers and audiences alike. FROGS is in a "toccata" style and reminds this writer of miniature-type piano works by MacDowell and Ravel. The performer will need a rapid four mallet technique (although the piece is quite affective at tempos slower than marked), some mallet and hand independence, and the ability to quickly reach an octave. For the performer who has not developed a one handed independent roll, the octave rolls could be accomplished with a mandolin-type roll or eliminated entirely.<ref>http://www.pas.org/Learn/compresearch.aspx Linda Pimentel, Winter 1979</ref>

== Annotations ==
Keiko Abe’s earliest written marimba solo. Written in ABA form, its playful characteristic is one of the reasons it is percussionists favorite pieces to play. The piece shows Abe’s early compositional style of having melodic notes overlaying the harmonic structure. It has not developed into her usual style of having an ostinato playing in the left hand, but the triplet notes she does provide do a fine job of helping to set the mood of the piece. A brief ostinato between a g natural and d natural do allow for some melodic playing that would later develop into Abe’s distinctive style. The composer can be heard performing this piece on her CD: Marimba Fantasy. This piece is published by Studio 4 Productions. - Trevor Landreth (05/10/18)

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==
premiere: 1964, Tokyo, Japan, Keiko Abe, soloist

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Abe, Keiko Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:4.0 Octave Range Works]]
[[Category:Solo Percussion Repertoire Works]]
[[Category:Solo Marimba Repertoire Works]]
[[Category: ATCL Repertoire Works]]

Merlin

2023-08-12T21:59:15Z

Tmd00:

[[Andrew Thomas]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1985 
'''Duration''': c. 10:00 
'''Difficulty''': VII 
'''Publisher''': [[Margun Music]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==
I. Beyond the faint Edge of the World 
II. Time’s Way 


== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]]



== Program Notes ==

=== Review ===
Merlin is a marimba solo that was written in 1985 by Andrew Thomas. Commissioned by William Moersch, Merlin was premiered in 1987 at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York. Since then Moersch has performed this work extensively in his concert touring. Inspired by the Edwin Arlington Robinson poem, Merlin, which describes King Arthur's court and its destruction, this marimba solo is composed in two movements. The first movement is a slow chorale-like work. According to Thomas it depicts the knight Gawaine "looking from the battlements of Arthur's castle towards the horizon, sensing the terrible events to come."As expected the music creates an eerie atmosphere of an unsettled calm. Rarely is the chorale predictable as it moves to a loud climax before it drifts into a fading diminuendo. The second movement could easily be the battle after the calm. However, Thomas cites that this movement "is concerned with time and the dissolution of order during time's passage. Here the perceived downbeat of the music constantly shifts, creating a flickering texture with no resting point.” This reference is less of a programmatic point of view than the first movement, but none the less in a dramatic sense. The second movement is a fast virtuosic work that is full of musical and technical challenges. Rhythm is Thomas' vehicle as the music lifts and falls in shifting groupings of sixteenth notes over different meters. The work gradually increases in tempo as it approaches a charging fortissimo ending. Andrew Thomas' Merlin is an outstanding composition for solo marimba. It is approximately eleven minutes long and requires a low "F" instrument as well as an advanced marimbist. Performers who put in the time and dedication to preparing this music will easily be able to find a place on a recital program for Merlin. Hopefully Thomas will elect to compose more works for the marimba in light of Merlin's success. - Mark Ford, October 1993

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==

===Online Recordings===







==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



Performer - Jacob Ottmer - Movement I https://youtu.be/T8OU3DHnu7k

Performer - Jacob Ottmer - Movement II https://youtu.be/DltZWOw0PBY

== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Thomas, Andrew Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Historical Works]]
[[Category:4.5 Octave Range Works]]

Velocities

2023-08-12T21:58:14Z

Tmd00:

[[Image:changethistothecomposername.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Composer Name]]
[[Schwantner, Joseph]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1990 
'''Duration''': c.8:00 
'''Difficulty''': VII 
'''Publisher''': Helicon 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==

Marimba (low E) 



== Errata ==



== Program Notes ==



==Awards==



== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

[[Category:Templates]]

Velocities

2023-08-12T21:58:02Z

Tmd00:

[[Image:changethistothecomposername.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Composer Name]]
[[Schwantner, Joseph]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1990 
'''Duration''': c.8:00 
'''Difficulty''': VII
'''Publisher''': Helicon 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==

Marimba (low E) 



== Errata ==



== Program Notes ==



==Awards==



== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

[[Category:Templates]]

Ratings

2023-08-12T21:57:37Z

Tmd00: Created page with "Reference marimba solos are provided for each difficulty rating. *Note: Do not choose repertoire based on difficulty alone. There is value in learning, rehearsing, and perfo..."

Reference marimba solos are provided for each difficulty rating.

*Note: Do not choose repertoire based on difficulty alone. There is value in learning, rehearsing, and performing percussion literature both below and above your level of skill/experience.

'''I - Novice Level:''' e.g. Yellow After the Rain, Ghost Garden, Sea Refractions

'''II - Developing Level:''' e.g. Strive to be Happy, Katamiya, Rhythm Song

'''III - Intermediate Level:''' e.g. Land, Four Rotations, Frogs

'''IV - Proficient Level:''' e.g. Two Mexican Dances, Polaris, Over the Rainbow (arr. Oetomo)

'''V - Advanced Level:''' e.g. October Night, Etude in E Minor (Cheung), Variations on Lost Love

'''VI - Artist Level:''' e.g. Reflections on the Nature of Water, Northern Lights, Marimba Spiritual

'''VII - Virtuoso Level:''' e.g. Velocities, Khan Variations, Merlin

Velocities

2023-08-12T20:35:14Z

Tmd00:

[[Image:changethistothecomposername.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Composer Name]]
[[Schwantner, Joseph]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1990 
'''Duration''': c.8:00 
'''Difficulty''': Advanced+ 
'''Publisher''': Helicon 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==



== Instrumentation ==

Marimba (low E) 



== Errata ==



== Program Notes ==



==Awards==



== Commercial Discography==



==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

[[Category:Templates]]

Merlin

2023-08-12T20:34:43Z

Tmd00:

[[Andrew Thomas]]



== General Info ==

'''Year''': 1985 
'''Duration''': c. 10:00 
'''Difficulty''': Advanced+ 
'''Publisher''': [[Margun Music]] 
'''Cost''': Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00 

==Movements==
I. Beyond the faint Edge of the World 
II. Time’s Way 


== Instrumentation ==
[[Marimba]]



== Program Notes ==

=== Review ===
Merlin is a marimba solo that was written in 1985 by Andrew Thomas. Commissioned by William Moersch, Merlin was premiered in 1987 at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York. Since then Moersch has performed this work extensively in his concert touring. Inspired by the Edwin Arlington Robinson poem, Merlin, which describes King Arthur's court and its destruction, this marimba solo is composed in two movements. The first movement is a slow chorale-like work. According to Thomas it depicts the knight Gawaine "looking from the battlements of Arthur's castle towards the horizon, sensing the terrible events to come."As expected the music creates an eerie atmosphere of an unsettled calm. Rarely is the chorale predictable as it moves to a loud climax before it drifts into a fading diminuendo. The second movement could easily be the battle after the calm. However, Thomas cites that this movement "is concerned with time and the dissolution of order during time's passage. Here the perceived downbeat of the music constantly shifts, creating a flickering texture with no resting point.” This reference is less of a programmatic point of view than the first movement, but none the less in a dramatic sense. The second movement is a fast virtuosic work that is full of musical and technical challenges. Rhythm is Thomas' vehicle as the music lifts and falls in shifting groupings of sixteenth notes over different meters. The work gradually increases in tempo as it approaches a charging fortissimo ending. Andrew Thomas' Merlin is an outstanding composition for solo marimba. It is approximately eleven minutes long and requires a low "F" instrument as well as an advanced marimbist. Performers who put in the time and dedication to preparing this music will easily be able to find a place on a recital program for Merlin. Hopefully Thomas will elect to compose more works for the marimba in light of Merlin's success. - Mark Ford, October 1993

== Errata ==



== Awards ==


== Commercial Discography==

===Online Recordings===







==Recent Performances==

{{performances}}



Performer - Jacob Ottmer - Movement I https://youtu.be/T8OU3DHnu7k

Performer - Jacob Ottmer - Movement II https://youtu.be/DltZWOw0PBY

== Works for Percussion by this Composer ==
{{Thomas, Andrew Works}} 



== Additional Resources ==



 
 

== References ==
<references/>


 
 

[[Category:Solo Works]]
[[Category:Mallets Works]]
[[Category:Marimba Works]]
[[Category:Historical Works]]
[[Category:4.5 Octave Range Works]]