Marimbascape (2006)
Michael Waldrop
PUBLISHER: drop6 media
RECORDINGS: None
RANGE: 5.0 octaves [includes ossia for smaller instruments]
DURATION: 11:15
MOVEMENTS: two movements
- Parables
- Delineations
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: Both movements follow a similar structure: active opening that establishes a groove with drum accompaniment, a rolled middle section with long-tone synths, and a return to the opening material. The tape should be secondary to the marimba. The marimba and tape remain in sync throughout. Accessible work with a small set of technical requirements makes it ideal for a developing player. A matched set of medium-hard mallets will provide clarity to the sound of the first movement. That mallet selection makes a compromise between the clarity needed for the upper register while achieving a full sound from the middle and low register. The second movement uses the middle and low register of the instrument and a matched set of medium mallets are appropriate.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized and sampled sounds. Both movements have similar sounds: synth drums and long-tone synth pads. Playback requires outputting the accompaniment to two channels: left channel with a click track for the performer and right channel with the tape part for speaker output. Headphones must be used for performance.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, and DV. Each movement focuses on a particular technique. The first movement focuses primarily on hand-to-hand double vertical strokes. The intervals are mostly fourths and fifths. The second movement incorporates the three stroke types in a more uniform manner and the opening focuses on octaves. The composition uses repetitive and idiomatic stickings, making it ideal as an etude-style work.