Gottry's rhythmic ideas are particularly effective . . . a popular choice for the college student who has attained at least an intermediate
level of ability. - John R. Raush Printed by permission of the Percussive Arts Society,
inc.
A winner in the ASCAP Young
Composers Competition in 1995, Irrelevant, for
solo 4 1/3 octave marimba, explores several idiomatic techniques for four-mallet marimba
performance, including double vertical strokes, rapidly moving double lateral strokes, and four-mallet chordal rolls.
Focused around a five-note, left-hand ostinato pattern which threads its way through the entire
work, this composition is typified by
repetitious rhythmic patterns. Contrast is achieved through variations
in texture, range, and harmonic structure. The piece incorporates a great
deal of hand independence, including several cross-rhythmic sections. The rhythmic imagination revealed in the solo, the
repetitious patterning, and the relative limitations in technical challenges
will make it an enjoyable work for any performer.
In the 2nd edition, subtle but significant changes
have been made to improve this piece from the performer's perspective.
Several dynamic indications have been added or improved, metric
modulations have been clarified, and a few metronome markings have
been added. The note size has been increased and the overall
layout has been notably improved. Several sticking indications
have also been added.
click on the
cover page to view an excerpt of the piece
