Simple Solos (Volume 2)

Adam Tan

General Info

Year of Published:
Publisher: Self Published
Difficulty: Elementary
Duration: 00:09:00
Cost: $16.00

Movements

1. Wistful
2. Cheerful
3. Peaceful
4. Grateful

Instrumentation

Marimba

Program Notes

Simple Solos (Volume 2) is a collection of four simple two-mallet miniatures which represent common feelings of longing, happiness and reflection within yourself. I wrote the SIMPLE SOLOS series to not only give developing students a chance to play interesting pieces that help build their technique and musicality, but also to challenge myself to make complex music while deliberately placing limits on what techniques I am allowed to use.

As there are not many two-mallet beginner focused works available, this is a suitable teaching resource to use for developing students, and also can be used as simpler melodic works for more advanced percussionists who are looking to program lighter and audience-friendly repertoire in their performances.

Wistful is a representation of the feeling of longing for something, such as a distant memory or something that was once present that is now gone. Its spatial nature gives a feeling of quiet solitude, and perhaps can even be interpreted to have a feeling of missing something or someone.

Cheerful is a representation of the feeling of joy and laughter, such as spending time with your favourite people, doing something you enjoy or feeling optimistic about something. Its upbeat nature gives a feeling of warmth and energy, with the clear melody and accompaniment making for a surprisingly broad texture despite being a two-mallet work.

Peaceful is a representation of the feeling of inner calm and reflection, such as spending time alone in a secluded place, meditating or doing your favourite quiet activity. Its slow and stately nature gives a feeling of serenity, with the chorale style rolling textures creating a garden of warm sound.

Grateful is a representation of the feeling of gratitude and warmth as you appreciate what you have, such as reflecting on your life or feeling content with something that you have done. Its fast and floating nature represents the journey away from things that have already happened and a mix of contemplation and anticipation, with some excitement in the melody. It is also represented by its position as the last work in the [ FEELINGS ] collection, having experienced the other feelings of Wistful, Cheerful and Peaceful before it.

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

Simple Solos (Volume 1)
Simple Solos (Volume 2)