Angels (1983)
Gary Kulesha
PUBLISHER: Counterpoint Music Library Services
RECORDINGS: Impact, Beverley Johnson (Centrediscs)
RANGE: 4.5 octaves
DURATION: 11:00
MOVEMENTS: two movements
- Fallen Angels
- Heavenly Angels
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The tape and the marimba take on the leading role at different points and in some moments join together as a single voice. The composer indicates for very specific mallet choices throughout the work. For the composition to retain the intended effect, the mallet indications should be followed precisely. The tape is in two sections; the second section is triggered following a marimba solo. The solo section allows the performer freedom in interpretation. During the tape sections, the marimba and tape are loosely synchronized.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized and sampled sounds in addition to the recorded speech of multiple people. The synthesized sounds are intended to mimic sampled, live sounds. Each section of the work utilizes different sound choices with distinct expressive characteristics. The work allows flexibility in performance.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. Four-mallet block chords and single-line writing dominate the composition. The hands are kept close together and there are very few leaps. There are rapid, single-line passages. A rolled section within the marimba solo in the first movement requires the performer to execute rhythmic material underneath a roll. The difficulty in that particular passage is the smooth rejoining of the left hand to the roll sustained in the right.