Multum in Parvis

Raymond Helble

General Info

Year of Published: 2016
Publisher: Keyboard Percussion Publications
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: c.
Cost: Score and Parts - $78.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Player 1: Crotales
Player 2: Vibraphone
Player 3: Chimes & Tam Tam
Player 4: Snare Drum
Player 5: Bongos & Timbales
Player 6: 4 Concert Tom Toms (High)
Player 7: 4 Concert Tom Toms (Low)
Player 8: Marimba 1
Player 9: Marimba 2
Player 10: Marimba 3
Player 11: Marimba 4
Player 12: Bass Marimba
Player 13: 5 Timpani & Bass Drum

Program Notes

Multum in Parvis differs from Helble’s other percussion orchestra works in that most of the material is introduced and developed by membranophones rather than keyboards. The title is a variation of the typically seen expression Multum in parvo (Much from a little.) Parvis is the plural, indicating that the composer knit the piece together from many small scraps of motifs. The result is a wonderful mosaic of contrapuntal drumming that can be done by a strong high school ensemble.

Commissioned by and dedicated to Michael Faris and the Ladue, Missouri, percussion program, this piece takes its title from the Latin phrase multum in parvis (“much from a little”), which insightfully provides the performers the impetus of composer Raymond Helble’s compositional process (composing a large mosaic work from small musical motifs). Also notable is the fact that of the 14 performers for this ensemble, five are performing membranophones (timpani, two sets of tom-toms, bongos and timbales, and snare drum) while the remaining nine performers are assigned keyboard percussion instruments (including crotales, chimes, vibraphone,marimbas and bass marimba.

As with all of Helble’s compositions, both the motivic craftsmanship and his creative rhythmic counterpoint weave his structural clarity and provide accessible tonal unity (composed in C minor). Also interesting is the fact that Helble starts this composition with the membraned percussion presenting his opening rhythmic motives and the keyboard percussion providing the sophisticated harmonic and melodic content.

This length (262 measures) single-movement composition will certainly test the mature percussion ensemble. Every part is challenging in its own unique fashion (appropriate mallets will provide the tom-tom players with a melodic timpani sound). Obviously, ensmeble balance and blend are integral keys to provide this outstanding composition with a worthy performance. Although this piece might be performed by a few outstanding high school ensembles, it is more appropriately suited for the mature college or university percussion ensemble.

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

Marimba Works

Goblin Dance Op. 24
Grand Fantasy in C Major
Preludes for Marimba No's. 1, 2, 3 Op. 1
Preludes for Marimba No's. 4, 5, 6 Op. 3
Preludes for Marimba Nos. 7, 8, 9, Op.14
Preludes for Marimba Nos. 10. 11, 12, Op.28
Preludes for Marimba Nos. 13. 14, 15, Op.37
The Well-Tempered Marimbist (Book 1 and 2)
Theme and Six Variations
Toccata Fantasy in e-flat minor

Timpani Works

Three Etudes for Five Tympani Op. 10

Vibraphone Works

Sonata Brevis for Solo Vibraphone - Vibraphone

Concerto Works

Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra (Helble) - Marimba; Orchestra
Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble Op. 21 - Marimba; Percussion Ensemble
Dragon of Wyckham Op. 47 - Marimba; Concert Band
Duo Concertante Op. 11 - Marimba; Violin
Duo Concertante Op. 54 - Marimba; Vibraphone
Marimba Concerto in a Op. 34 - Marimba; Chamber Orchestra
Night Music Op. 62 - Timpani; Percussion Quartet

Marimba Ensemble Works

Concertare, Op. 41b - Percussion Duo - Marimba Duo

Large Percussion Ensemble Works

Concertare - 12 Players
Concertare, Op. 41a - 12 Players
Diabolic Variations - 10 Players
Multum in Parvis - 13 Players
Passacaglia for Percussion Ensemble Op. 7 - 10 Players
Prelude and Rondo alla marcia - 12 Players

With Other Instrument Works

Movement for Marimba and Harpsichord Op. 5 - Marimba; Harpsichord
Movements for Marimba and String Quartet - Marimba; String Quartet
Nocturne Op. 20 - Marimba; Clarinet
Quintetto alla Beethoven - Marimba; String Quartet
SilverWood Op. 66 - Marimba; Flute

Not Yet Classified

Hynos I Op. 49 - Percussion Ensemble
Hypnos II Op. 58 - Percussion Ensemble
Legend of Faust Op. 32 - Large Percussion Ensemble
Sonare Op. 68 - Percussion Ensemble