Pedals, Pipes and Percussion
Alvez Barkoskie IV
About this work:
During a percussion performance a few years ago, I noticed that the resonators of the marimba look strikingly similar to the pipes of an organ, my own instrument. This visual revelation led me to consider possibilities in the sound world as well. As the idea brewed in my mind, other percussion instruments that would work well with the organ, the “King of Instruments,” became evident to me and Pedals, Pipes and Percussion was the result.
The opening 5 measures of the piece is a quote from a sketch called “Theme and Variations” that I composed in 2005. The Majestic opening originally written for piano seemed to fit well in the organ and timpani. The chorale section is based on a section of a sketch written for piano and saxophone from earlier that same year.
The organ has been called on to imitate many orchestral instruments through transcriptions and even solo works, however when it comes to the percussion ensemble, this area is greatly lacking in organ registration, so this combination of instruments seemed like both an attractive one and a much needed one in the repertoire.
Performers for this Recording are: Glenn Hunter, organ and Jeffrey Otto, percussion. Performed at the Masters Composition Recital of Alvez Barkoskie IV, April 9, 2011.
Version: 2011 Revised Version
Year composed: 2010
Duration: 00:08:43
Ensemble type: Unspecified Instrument(s)
Instrumentation: 1 Marimba, 1 Vibraphone, 1 Organ, 1 Other Percussion Instrument(s)
Instrumentation notes: Organ and Percussion [timpani, marimba, bass drum, chimes, bongos, temple blocks, suspended cymbal and vibraphone (with bow)]