Perhaps this is the ultimate virtuostic show piece for a solo marimbist. Seven minutes of rhythmic momentum, colored with three “col legno” (with wood) effects: 1) The birch handle is used on the edge of the bar; 2) The mallet head and the handle are used simultaneously (dubbed a “marimshot” by his students); 3) Clusters with the whole length of both handles (dubbed a “Stevens splash” by his students). The very limited melodic and harmonic materials of the piece evolve rhythmically from simple, to complex to polyrhythmic, to driving, to spasmodic, ultimately returning to a simple rhythm in the six measure codetta. A huge concert-closing climax.
Beads of Glass (Recording)
$2.89Stout’s composition for solo marimba is a beautiful tapestry of tonal sounds for five-octave marimba. It is dedicated to and recorded by Leigh Howard Stevens. (Duration 7:14). Sheet music available.
Stout’s composition for solo marimba is a beautiful tapestry of tonal sounds for five-octave marimba. It is dedicated to and recorded by Leigh Howard Stevens. (Duration 7:14). Sheet music available.
