LeVan-Papillon, Le (SP)-2M (4 players)

In Le Papillon by Richard K. LeVan, a bit of minimalism meets some African influence with a flitting melody. Up-tempo ensemble, scored for four players on two marimbas - requires one instrument with low F. Anchored by an ostinato in the fourth marimba part, the other three players trade short melodies and weave in and out of interlocking rhythmic figures. No one part is particularly difficult - only the fourth marimba part would require more than two mallets - yet focused concentration is required so as to realize the melo-rhythmic patterns in a fashion that seems relaxed, yet grooves.
ca. 4'38" in duration.

Number of players: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate

Instrumentation: Two marimbas (one 4.6 octave), four players