Bolero's Blues
General Info
Year of Published: 2021
Publisher: Tapspace Publications
Level: Advanced
Duration: 00:04:20
Price: $48.00
Overview
Bolero's Blues by David Reeves is a tongue-in-cheek merging of Bolero, the classical piece, with the Spanish bolero style. This piece takes heavy inspiration from blues harmony and has a colorful, evolving feel throughout.
Instrumentation
Player 1: Glockenspiel
Player 2: Xylophone
Player 3: Vibraphone
Player 4: Vibraphone
Player 5: Vibraphone
Player 6: Vibraphone
Player 7: Marimba
Player 8: Marimba
Player 9: Marimba
Player 10: Marimba
Player 11: Timpani
Player 12: Snare Drum & Bass Drum with pedal & China Cymbal & Castanet
Player 13: Chimes & Triangle & China Cymbal & 2 Suspended Cymbals & Sand Blocks & Slapstick
Player 14: Crotales & Concert Bass Drum & Bongo & Sizzle Cymbal & Sand Blocks & Slapstick & Tam-tam
Description
Bolero’s Blues, in David Reeves’ own words, is “a bluesy personification and tongue-in-cheek nod to both the Spanish dance form called the ‘bolero’ and the wildly popular one-act ballet score Bolero by Maurice Ravel.” Indeed, this work for advanced percussion orchestra is full of colorful moments that are a treat to listen to. Frequent meter changes complement a chromatic, blues-oriented harmonic language. The result is a collection of phrases that vary wildly in character, always engaging the listener. This is a perfect centerpiece for a collegiate or advanced high school percussion ensemble concert, and may be performed with or without a conductor!
Review
“Bolero’s Blues” is a 5-minute work for percussion orchestra. As stated by the composer, it is a “bluesy personification and tongue-in-cheek nod to both the Spanish dance form called the ‘bolero’ and the wildly popular one-act ballet score Bolero by Maurice Ravel.” Requiring 14 players and an enormous instrument list, it is suitable for advanced high school or college-level ensembles.
The piece is orchestrated in typical fashion, utilizing a variety of pitched and non-pitched instruments commonly found in most programs. However, it requires 28 instruments and a variety of implements for each player. Four vibraphones, four marimbas (two low-F and two low-A), glockenspiel, xylophone, and four timpani provide the pitched content, while numerous cymbals, drums, and other auxiliary instruments are used by the remaining three players. It is important to note that two octaves of crotales are needed, creating a potential challenge for some ensembles. The score and notation key are highly detailed and provide essential information for executing gestures. Additionally, all keyboard parts are equal in difficulty, with varied challenges in the non-pitched parts, giving directors flexibility when making assignments.
I love the overall feel of this composition! Despite the constant mixed meters, an intense groove throughout propels it to the end. I recommend it for a rhythmically confident ensemble as part of any percussion concert.
Danielle Moreau
Works for Percussion by this Composer
Solo Works
Fox's Forest Fusion
Heavy Left
Send & Receive
Slowly, Agitated
Spiritual in five verses
Stompin' in Seven
Strangers
War Drum Peace Drum
Ensemble Works
2 a.m. Traffic Jam
1222 West 5th Street
Bolero's Blues - 14 Players
Crosswalk - 8 Players
East West - Percussion Duet
L'image de l'eau - Percussion Quintet + amplified string bass
Pieces of Eight - Percussion Octet
Three Preludes (Reeves) - Percussion Trio
Until Morning Sings
West African Sketches - Large Drum Ensemble