Reeves-Bolero's Blues (SP)-B/C/Cro./X/4V/4M/4T/P

Bolero’s Blues, in David Reeves’ own words, is “a bluesy personification and tongue-in-cheek nod to both the Spanish dance form called the ‘bolero’ and the wildly popular one-act ballet score Bolero by Maurice Ravel.”

Indeed, this work for advanced percussion orchestra is full of colorful moments that are a treat to listen to. Frequent meter changes complement a chromatic, blues-oriented harmonic language. The result is a collection of phrases that vary wildly in character, always engaging the listener. This is a perfect centerpiece for a collegiate or advanced high school percussion ensemble concert, and may be performed with or without a conductor!

Bolero’s Blues ships as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.

• Number of players: 14
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Instrumentation:
• Player 1: Glockenspiel (pedal glock, if available)
• Player 2: Xylophone
• Player 3: Vibraphone 1
• Player 4: Vibraphone 2
• Player 5: Vibraphone 3
• Player 6: Vibraphone 4
• Player 7: Marimba 1 (4.5 octave)
• Player 8: Marimba 2 (4.5 octave)
• Player 9: Marimba 3 (4.3 octave)
• Player 10: Marimba 4 (4.3 octave)
• Player 11: 4 timpani
• Player 12: Snare drum, hi hat, castanet machine, kick drum, medium China cymbal
• Player 13: Chimes, medium triangle, small China cymbal, sand blocks (shared w/Player 14) , slapstick (shared w/Player 14), medium/large suspended cymbal (shared w/Player 14)
• Player 14: Crotales, sand blocks (shared w/Player 13) , slapstick (shared w/Player 13), medium/large suspended cymbal (shared w/Player 13), splash cymbal, bongos, sizzle cymbal, tam-tam (medium preferred), bass drum