I find that the greatest thing about recitals is, the closer I get to the end of my degree the more freedom I have to perform music that I enjoy listening to and that I’m interested in. A great example of this in my Semester 1 Recital 2015 was Marimba Phase by Steve Reich.
It can be hard sometimes to create interest and musicality in studies and etudes, most times because they’re not written as “music” but more as technical exercises that are designed to mess with your brain and challenge a certain side of playing. So, the closer I get to the end of my degree I’m reminded that when I finish my studies, it is always my choice to play the music that I play…
My recital from Semester 1 2015 was great fun and an opportunity to share the stage with a few friends. I started Marimba Phase with Jamee Seeto. Jamee and I have been playing percussion together since high school and it was really great to work with her on this piece.
The piece has 3 sections, each built around a different rhythmic and melodic pattern. One player then phases ahead one note in their pattern to create a different combination of notes each time. The original pattern only returns after completing a phase on each note of the pattern.
Having performed ‘Drumming’ by Steve Reich in the same semester, Marimba Phase came quite naturally. Nevertheless it was great to just trance out to a beautiful piece with a good friend.
Enjoy,
Tsoof