Ho-Kami (SP-4)-Solo M/Cro/V/P

Kami by Alice Ho for solo 5-octave marimba and three percussionists. Kami is Japanese for gods or spirits of nature. In Japanese mythology, the world was created by two divine beings: Izanagi (male) and Izanami (female). Their descendants become other gods or spirits. The nature of this work is folk based, bright and energetic, evolving around forceful conversations between the marimba solo and the drums ensemble. Besides displaying the instrumentalist's great virtuosity and musicality, musicians are challenged to vocalize as part of the ritualistic and theatrical aspect of the piece. This piece is written for Canadian marimba virtuoso Beverly Johnston.

Instrumentation:

Percussion 1 - Crotales, Vibraphone, Small Suspended Cymbal, China Cymbal, Slapsticks, High Skin Drum (Taiko Drum: Shime), Voice

Percussion 2 - Large Suspended Cymbal, Two Woodblocks, Chinese High Pitch Opera Block, Almglocken, Medium Skin Drum (Taiko Drum: Miya), Voice

Percussion 3 - Small Chinese Bender Gong, Medium Tamtam, 5 Temple Blocks, Slap Sticks, Large Skin Drum (Taiko drum: O Taiko), Voice

Percussion 4 - Solo 5-Octave Marimba, Temple Bowls or Bells, Two Pieces of Woodsticks: 2x4 approximately 2' long, Voice