Pentaphase (1997)
Udo Diegelmann
PUBLISHER: Hubert Hoche Musikverlag
RECORDINGS: None
RANGE: 4.3 octaves
DURATION: 10:30
MOVEMENTS: Single movement in three sections
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The tape part is secondary to the marimba in the first section. In the second "Phase" section, the tape and marimba should be at the same level so as to highlight the phase effect, similar to Steve Reich's phase music. The tape does not contribute melodically to the composition; rather, it either functions as an accompaniment or as an ostinato.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized marimba sounds. The performer or an additional person at a specified point within the work must trigger the tape. The performer must have a volume pedal to control the output of the tape. The first section contains marimba sounds that have been played at extremely tempos (the quarter note is at 800 beats per minute at times). The second section contains a repetitive and grounded pattern.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. Writing utilizes repetitive and idiomatic stickings. The writing style is divided into two sections: linear passages and double vertical strokes in one hand with single-independent strokes in the other. There are no sudden interval changes or large leaps, and the hands remain close together.