Precipice (2011)
Allan Schindler
PUBLISHER: Keyboard Percussion Publications
RECORDINGS: Precipice, Nathaniel Bartlett (Albany Records)
RANGE: 5.0 octaves
DURATION: 18:00
MOVEMENTS: Single movement
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The tape and marimba are equally important. The writing for the marimba is largely gestural. The performer is required to make musical lines out of short melodic fragments and incorporates silent space. Musical time through the work is indicated in length of time and not standard time signatures. Extended roll sections call for specific types and speeds of rolls to create various textures. Overall, the work explores the textures possible on a marimba. Part of exploring those textures is mallet selection and, as such, every performer must choose what expresses their interpretation of the notation.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized sounds and sampled sounds with effects processing. The sounds explore various textures and timbres, a similar approach to the marimba writing. The tape contains contemporary sounds using modern processing techniques. The tape functions in several ways and may expand on the sound of the marimba, imitate or antagonize the marimba, or provide a backdrop for the marimba.Playback is available for a stereo system. The preferred playback, however, is a four-channel system with subwoofer. The accompaniment is divided into six sections. The performer must trigger each cue at specific moments indicated in the score. The software for controlling the sound cues is included with the score. A foot pedal is required for initiating the files.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. There are quick, large leaps, and the performer must be comfortable with large space between the hands. The work requires one-handed rolls in both hands at various large and small intervals. A glossary explains the notation of other performance effects, such as dampening, dead strokes, playing with the shaft of the mallet, and playing on specific parts of the bar.