Unreal Motorway (2013)
Attila Szilvási
PUBLISHER: Edition Svitzer
RECORDINGS: None
RANGE: 5.0 octaves
DURATION: 11:00
MOVEMENTS: Single movement
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The marimba and computer (or tape) are equally important. Four matched medium-hard mallets (or exchange one medium mallet in the 1 position) are suggested. The performer will synchronize with a click track, but the marimba and tape do not play unison figures or rhythms. Tempo changes are achieved through metric modulation except for one conventionally notated change of quarter note = 112 to quarter note = 172 (though this can be felt as a metric modulation as, basically, the eighth note triplet becomes the eight note). The key signature contains two flats throughout the work, but accidentals are used regularly. A rhythmic improvisation (a set of 4 pitches is provided) closes the work.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized sounds. The tape contains contemporary sounds using modern processing techniques. The sounds are influenced by non-dance style electronica. There are long, unmetered sounds that create a wash of sound and mask time through most of the work. Grooves are occasionally established with a metered accompaniment. Because the accompaniment lacks a clear beat throughout, using an in-ear monitor system is required for performance. Performance options include a mono track with metronome in one channel and tape in another; however, this option is not preferred as the tape is written with stereo effects and this method changes the nature of the work. The recommended option is stereo output for the tape and metronome. Some digital audio programs can perform this task, or a mixer may be used to output the stereo channels from the track.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. The writing is idiomatic and the suggested stickings in the score are logical. At tempo, however, there are challenges in execution of some complicated four-mallet stickings. Intervals are mostly a fifth or smaller and include rapid changes. There are few large leaps and the space between the hands is moderate. Confidence in hand independence is necessary.