An Irresistable Force
General Info
Year:
Duration: c.
Difficulty: Level V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Willson
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00 | Score Only - $0.00
Movements
Instrumentation
Amplified mallet instruments:
Player I: Xylophone
Player II: Vibraphone
Player III: Marimba
Player IV: Bass marimba (ossia low A)
Program Notes
Online Review
This unusual work for four keyboard percussion players calls for a xylophone, vibraphone, marimba and bass marimba. (The bass marimba part can be performed on a low-A instrument if some octaves are omitted.) The composer has made use of several musical techniques such as the "articulated glissando," "sweeping glissando," "portamento for vibraphone," "dead notes" and playing with the rattan or wood handle. A notation key for these techniques is provided in the score along with directions for optional electronic amplification. The piece begins in the minimalist style, with steady sixteenth notes in mixed meters. Much of the harmony is rather static and different textures are created by accents in the bass marimba part and rests in the sixteenth-note flow of the xylophone. The piece then moves to a slower, contrasting section that has a sparser texture. A legato vibe part is accompanied by short melodic fragments in the other instruments. The melodic fragments become denser and the piece moves to the last section, which is similar to the opening section. The steady sixteenth notes return, but with more variety of accent patterns and pitch. A final climax is reached as all four parts come together in a very loud, solid sixteenth note pattern, which gradually fades to nothing. To perform this piece well requires players with strong mallet technique and rhythmic security. "An Irresistible Force" would add variety to any percussion ensemble concert.[1] - Online Review
Tom Morgan (June 2002)
Commercial Discography
Recent Performances
To submit a performance please join the TEK Percussion Database
Works for Percussion by this Composer
An Irresistable Force - Percussion Quartet
Additional Resources
References