Percussion Ensemble - Digital Download
SKU: A0.935382
Arranged by Dan Heslink. Christian,Christmas,Contemporary. Score and parts. 27 pages. Pharaoh Publications #5212785. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935382).
Holiday Bolero for percussion ensemble 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 percussion ensemble 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 Ravel’s 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, particularly in the snare drum part. All of the keyboard parts require only two mallets per player, with the exception of the vibe part’s necessity of 3 or 4 mallets. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence. Pedaling on the vibes for the most part is suggested by the harmonic rhythm and is not notated. Setup of the general percussion part in the manner of a multiple percussion solo, where all playing surfaces are comfortably accessible.
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.
