Six of One

Six Of One (2017)
Genre:
Mallet Sextet (B, 2V, 3M)
Difficulty: 
Medium
Duration: 5:10
Publisher: Chad Floyd (2017)

Price: $45

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This mallet sextet requires bells, two vibraphones, and three marimbas (two 4.3 octaves and one 5 octave). With the exception of the bells, all parts require the use of four-mallet technique. Based solely on one motivic idea (the opening motive on marimba) the majority of the piece was written over my spring break in 2017 and then finished over the summer. The audio and video was recorded at my home in Campbellsville, KY. If you look closely you may see my dog, Fergus, make an unexpected appearance. The premiere performance was given by The Florida State University Freshmen Sextet (Dr. John W. Parks IV, director) in the fall of 2017.

Additional info by John Herndon:
At its start a solo marimba introduces the motivic idea on which the entirety of the piece is based. It is soon joined by melodic interjections that bloom in the background as well as an intertwined accompaniment which provides a sense of perpetual motion to the first section of the work. This dissolves into a more sparse musical landscape in which a series of interdependent ideas are patiently layered over one another, growing until they cascade into the uplifting climax of the piece. Finally, elements withdraw one at a time so that the music organically fades to a natural conclusion that is both nuanced and grounded.