Rhapsody

G. Bradley Bodine

General Info

Year: 2005
Duration: c.
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: G. Bradley Bodine
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Player 1: Multiple Percussion

Player 2: French Horn

Program Notes

Rhapsody for Horn and Percussion was commissioned by the International Horn Society for Catherine Roche-Wallace (Horn) and Jeffrey Prosperie (Percussion). The work was premiered in 2005 at the 37th International Horn Symposium at the University of Alabama.

Rhapsody for Horn and Percussion begins with a 33-measure crescendo - a simple bass drum and cymbal back beat pattern that forms a rhythmic mantra against which the rhythmic activity of the opening horn melody is set. As the rhythmic tension increases, the beat suddenly slips into a cut-time swing pattern, while the horn performs a jazz-inspired melody.

The swinging melody continues until a metric modulation suddenly sweeps the musicians into a very tight, fast rhythmic flurry. Following this rhythmic passage, the horn player receives a break in the form of a snare drum solo. The ensuing horn cadenza is, in turn, followed by a solo marimba passage that is based upon motives found in the horn cadenza.

The marimba solo is followed by a joyful fanfare accompanied by the chimes. This fanfare continues to develop as the percussionist performs a simple ostinato on the marimba, providing a harmonic accompaniment to the horn. A new soft jazz inspired melody is introduced as the music changes to asymmetrical meters while the marimba continues its accompanimental role.

The horn fanfare is heard again as another metric modulation on the horn morphs into a snare drum playing repeated 16th notes. The snare drum continues playing straight 16th notes throughout this final section, while motives heard earlier in the work are developed and mixed together in an improvisatory style. The work ends with the fanfare motive being played high and brassy.

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

A Cross On Wood - Marimba
Concerto for Marimba and Chamber Orchestra (Bodine) - Marimba; Orchestra
Concerto for Marimba and Concert Band - Marimba; Band
Desert Songs I - Percussion Duo; Choir
Desert Songs II - Percussion Duo; Choir
Desert Songs III - Percussion Duo; Choir
Kaleidoscope: Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra - Marimba; Orchestra
Namaste: Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble - Marimba; Percussion Sextet
Rhapsodia - Marimba; Flute
Rhapsody - Multiple Percussion; Horn
Romance - Marimba