percussionist

M+ED Detailed Page: Work Out for Marimba and KAT

Work-out for Marimba and KAT (1988)
Vic Hoyland

PUBLISHER: Universal Edition

RECORDINGS: None

RANGE: 4.3 octaves

DURATION: 8:00

MOVEMENTS: Single movement

TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Controller

MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The marimba and MalletKAT are equally important. Writing for the instruments focuses on the creation of single line. Four matched medium-hard mallets (or exchange one medium mallet in the 1 position) are suggested to achieve the articulation necessary in the rapid passages.

ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: The MalletKAT is used to trigger short and long sound samples. A sustain and volume pedal are required for the MalletKAT. The sounds are not identified by name; as such, the performer has freedom to select the actual sound sample used. Examination of the score, however, reveals a close relationship between the marimba and controller—the musical line weaves between the two and often overlaps—that may make the selection of a similar sound a desirable choice.

TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. DL strokes occur rarely and only as a part of four-mallet, single-line sticking. Single-independent alternating strokes comprise the majority of strokes within the single-line style of writing. Block chords punctuate the rapid, single-line gestures. The performer must adapt to kinesthetic differences changing between the marimba and MalletKAT.