Polytempus II (1979)
Dary John Mizelle
PUBLISHER: Mizelle Music
RECORDINGS: New Percussion Music, Charles Wood (Lumina Records)
RANGE: 4.0 octaves
DURATION: 8:45
MOVEMENTS: Single movement
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The marimba is extremely active throughout the work, full of rapidly sweeping lines up and down the instrument. The marimba must remain in perfect synchronicity with the click track; however, the marimba part does not temporally align with the sounds on the tape. Two brief sections of the work may be performed rubato but within the time the tape allows. In addition to the individual tempos of each element (hence the composition's title) occurring simultaneously, the writing is polytonal and comprised of six different tuning systems. Due to the extreme rhythmic demands, and considering the writing makes predominate use of the upper three octaves, a matched set of medium-hard mallets is recommended.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized sounds, specifically FM and additive synthesis. Two separate tracks are provided, one with clicks and one without. These tracks must be aligned and played at the same time. The click track must be sent to headphones for the performer. Each line of the tape has a different timbre and separate tuning system that is meant to differentiate it from another. Each line is also at a different tempo than the others and changes often. The accompaniment is completely notated in the score.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. Intricate four-mallet stickings are required. Demands fast changes in intervals and positioning. Complete independence of hands is required. The writing includes extensive use of polyrhythms. There are large jumps and occasionally a large space between the hands.