Description
Cascades is an intermediate work for marimba 4 hands, composed for two players performing on a single 4.3-octave instrument. Commissioned by Despina Prastides Brown in 2025, this piece is an ideal choice for senior high school assessments and university-level recitals where instrument efficiency is as important as musicality.
Inspiration
Drawing inspiration from the minimalist textures of In Motu by Dirk Brosse and the renowned marimba 4 hands compositions of Ivan Trevino, Cascades is a study in fluid motion. The piece is a blend of contemporary mallet ensemble writing and rhythmic interweaving, creating a lush, flowing soundscape that lives up to its name.
The composition utilises the entire range of the instrument, with players positioned strategically on either side of the marimba to ensure a seamless performance without physical clashes.
Performance & Pedagogical Value
This duo focuses on:
- Interweaving Rhythms: Teaching players how to slot their parts into a collective “cascade” of sound.
- Arpeggiated Textures: Building hand-to-hand coordination and mallet control.
- Ensemble Precision: A perfect challenge for intermediate students to develop professional-level communication.
Whether for a final year high school performance or a university percussion chamber group, Cascades offers a contemporary and accessible addition to the modern mallet repertoire.
Looking for more mallet-heavy repertoire? Browse my other Pitched Percussion works.
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