WarHammer (1999)
Daniel McCarthy
PUBLISHER: C. Alan Publications
RECORDINGS: Spiral Passages, Nathan Daughtrey (C. Alan Publications)
RANGE: 5.0 octaves
DURATION: 8:00
MOVEMENTS: Single movement
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The marimba and tape part are meant to seem as one. The work is harmonically diverse, stemming from jazz-influenced harmonies. Overall it has greater forward momentum than McCarthy's Rimbasly from the driving-rhythm infused melody. Recurring motives help unify the work. A matched set of mallets works best for the four-mallet stickings covering the entire range of the instrument. Though the writing is rhythmically intense and often pushes into fortissimo, the extensive use of the lower register should put the preference into a heavy mallet capable of articulation and full tone with less velocity to minimize the risk of damaging the bars.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Synthesized sounds. The majority of the accompaniment is rhythmically active and interplays with the marimba requiring precise synchronization.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. Extensive use of intricate four-mallet stickings. The writing is difficult at times yet remains idiomatic. One-handed rolls are required.