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.

Percussion Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.935379

Composed by Dan Heslink. Contemporary,World. Score and parts. 30 pages. Pharaoh Publications #4978359. Published by Pharaoh Publications (A0.935379).

Asian Symmetries                                                                      by Dan Heslink

Asian Symmetries is a fanciful work which draws loosely from the musical procedures and sonic preferences of Indonesian and other Asian musical styles.  It is scored for three percussionists, each with their own battery of instruments. Gamelan-like impressions might be inferred from the cyclical nature of its rhythm, using metal plates like cymbals and gongs to mark large units of rhythmic time. Also evocative are the faster moving elaborations and a preponderance of metallophones in the instrumentation.

 

The work is medium to difficult in its demands. There are quick changes of instrument, planned to be manageable but requiring some attention to logistics  Each player’s performance station must remain stationary, with all instruments in reach without moving the performer’s position. Percussion I and Percussion III players must set up next to each other so that they may share the tenor drum. A selection of mallets that allows different striking surfaces to sound good without undue picking up and setting down of mallets is suggested.

 

Changes of meter and tempo occur, and an odd meter section sporting measures in 12/8, 6/8, 11/8 may require some additional attention. The instrumentation is selected to approximate Asian sounds with common western instruments. Performance time is 6:28. The composer, Dan Heslink, can be reached at dan@dheslink.com.