Foundations is a fine composition
that is quite accessible to a wide range of marimba techniques. - John Beck Printed by permission of the Percussive Arts Society,
inc.
Written
to perform with my wife, the title Foundations stemmed from the fact that our mutual
love for music and performing together was part of the foundation of our
relationship. The
composition begins in cut-time with open chords underlying a simple flute
melody. The marimba moves briefly to a running eighth note accompaniment
before taking over the melody sustained as repeated eighth notes.
Utilizing a gradual ritardando and metric modulation, the piece shifts into 12/8
time with the marimba providing a solid eighth note base for a more energetic
and aggressive flute melody. This up-tempo portion is briefly interrupted
for a 4/4 section marked Romantically. Following an accelerando and
another metric modulation, the duet shifts to a reprise of the 12/8 idea which
also concludes the piece. This composition for marimba and flute
requires a low-A marimba and intermediate 4-mallet technique.
click on the
cover page to view an excerpt of the piece
