Buss-Concerto for Marimba & Percussion Ensemble (SP)-Solo M/B/V/C/X/4T/P

Concerto for Marimba & Percussion Ensemble by Howard J. Buss was composed in the early months of 2017 and is dedicated to Robert McCormick. The percussion ensemble uses four players. This work is comprised of 3 continuous, unnamed movements that follow a haunting and somewhat mysterious introduction. References to the opening phrases of the introduction are made throughout the composition. The first movement is in two main parts: The first resembles a chain of joyous episodes, each flowing into the next as the musical narrative unfolds. This gives way to a series of passages that become increasingly developmental. Obvious references to the introduction are interspersed with elements of the first section as well as new material. The second movement is in a lively 6/8. It is in ternary form features a substantial marimba cadenza in the central section. The finale movement revives the joyful character of the first and includes a short intense passage influenced by jazz before building to a rousing finish. (15')

Number of players: 5
Difficulty: Advanced

Instrumentation

Player1: Solo marimba (4.3 octave)
Player 2: Xylophone, chimes, suspended cymbal, 2 bongos, 2 agogo bells, castanets, vibraslap
Player 3: Vibraphone, snare drum
Player 4: Glockenspiel,suspended cymbal, 2 crash cymbals, hi hat, snare drum, castanets, maracas
Player 5: 4 timpani, tambourine, suspended cymbal, triangle