Today we continue our series in preparation of my upcoming performance of Eric Ewazen’s “Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra”. We look at some technical issues one must overcome to perform this work. How do you handle the technical aspects discussed in this episode? Leave your comments below the video or in the comments below.
New to the series? Check out Part I before watching.
Originally posted on DrummChattr.com on January 30, 2012 by Thomas Burritt.
For some marimbists, especially intermediate players, a roadblock to certain repertoire is the widely utilized technique of the one-handed roll. In this brief video, well known composer and player Casey Cangelosi addresses how he develops his one-handed roll technique. What exercises did you use to develop your one-handed rolls? What did you find helpful in learning this process?
Originally posted on DrummChattr.com on January 25, 2012.
Who doesn’t love a beautiful marimba solo on a Monday? Blake Tyson’s A Cricket Sang and Set the Sun certainly fits the bill. Enjoy and let us know what pieces you would put in this category. Leave your thoughts below in the comments.
Originally posted on DrummChattr.com on January 23, 2012.
Today we start a new series in preparation of my upcoming performance of Eric Ewazen’s “Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra”. Do you think the general audience is interested in gaining a peak “behind the music”? After hearing my thoughts about the beginning of the 1st movement what are yours? Leave your comments below the video or in the comments.
Originally posted on DrummChattr.com on January 12, 2012 by Thomas Burritt.
Today’s video features Bill Cahn playing Joe Green’s Xylophonia with Nexus and Steve Gadd on drum set. Make sure you check out the drum break in the middle of the song to see Steve Gadd tap dance! This video is from a live performance in 1988 at Gotanda Kan-I Hoken Hall in Japan.
What is you favorite xylophone rag? Have you ever seen Steve Gadd tap dance? Let us know.
John Serry’s Night Rhapsody for solo marimba is one of the great early pieces in the contemporary marimba repertoire. While still clearly “Serry-esque”, his new work Groundlines deviates significantly from his masterwork of over 30 years ago. Featuring Dies Irae quotes and Sonata Form, Night Rhapsody features a clear connection to the romantic era of western classical music. That connection seems to be missing entirely from Groundlines leaving us with pure compositional mechanics. Check out the video to formulate some reactions to this new work expertly performed by Ji Hye Jung.
What are your thoughts on Serry’s compositional shift with Groundlines? What are your impressions of the work as a whole?
