This is a complex work, based on themes from “The Well-Tempered Clavier” by J.S. Bach. This percussion quintet is scored for two four-octave vibraphones, two 4.5-octave marimbas, one low-C bass marimba, one four-octave xylo9phone and one glockenspiel. Two suspended cymbals and one large tam-tam are also required.
Movement I has a thick texture with many repeated notes in the marimba parts. The vibes and xylophone play fragments from the first fugue and later the second prelude and second fugue. The second movement is Andante and quite lovely, featuring melodies from preludes III and VIII. The third movement begins with a transition section based on the 17th prelude, and then moves to an adagio section with material from prelude VI. Cymbals and tam-tam are used here to excellent effect. The piece concludes with movement IV, beginning with fragments from prelude V, fugue III and preludes XXI and XXII. After a moderate opening, it soon changes to a rollicking and playful section based on material from prelude X. Running sixteenth-note passages continue throughout the movement, finally giving way to a concluding section at a more moderate tempo based on prelude I material.
This piece is technically difficult and musically challenging. Four-mallet technique is required throughout, along with an excellent command of musical phrasing and nuance. But this is an enormously rewarding piece for the performers and will be a moving experience for the audience.
—Tom Morgan, Percussive Notes — December 2007