Product Description
Holiday Bolero for
keyboard percussion arr. by Dan Heslink
This
arrangement is available in two versions, a quintet for xylophone and four
marimbas, and a percussion ensemble octet for orchestra bells, vibes, 3
marimbas, snare drum, timpani and multiple percussion. These comments refer to
the mallet quintet arrangement.
While the term "Bolero" can be applied to a variety of
slow-tempo Latin dances, for most orchestral performers the title will evoke the stirring
rhythms of Ravels famous "Bolero." Similarities include the driving 3/4 bolero rhythm, the building of tension over one
long-range crescendo, and the climactic conclusion. The pitch content is based on "O Holy Night,"
the well-known Christmas carol composed
by Adolphe Adam
in 1847.
The difficulty level in terms of executing notes and rhythms is medium-easy.
At the same time, the dynamic planning and control of the crescendo requires
considerable musical judgment.
All of the keyboard parts
require only two mallets; some passages unfold as double stops. Mallets for the marimbas should be chosen to
maximize the blend of individual parts into a unified chord. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence.
"Holiday Bolero" is sure
to be an audience pleaser during a winter concert, especially close to
Christmas. It would serve equally well in a percussion
recital or a church service. In church this work would be appropriate as
special music or as an offertory. Duration is 2:52. The arranger, Dan
Heslink, can be contacted at dan@dheslink.com.
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