Printed set (Score & Parts)
[Percussion 1] Marimba, Vibraphone
[Percussion 2] Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Marimba, 2 Toma, Bongo, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal
[Percussion 3] 2 Toms, Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum, Tam-tam, Ratchet, Marimba, Vibraphone
[Percussion 4] Xylophone, Crotale, Marimba, Glockenspiel
[Percussion 5] Glockenspiel, Whip, Wind Chime, Crash Cymbals, Xylophone, Suspended Cymbal, Conga
[Percussion 6] Wind Chime, Tambourine, Tam-tam, Triangle, Marimba, Claves, Cowbell, Hi-hat Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Conga
[Percussion 7] Timpani, Chimes, Claves
[Percussion 8] Bass Drum, Nut or bean rattle, Tam-tam
I was pleased that our previous "Percussion Parade" has been widely enjoyed.
An initial idea is that the number of players could be freely chosen. As in the previous version, players 1 to 3 are required, but the rest can play any part from 4 to 8 to make the piece work. Select according to your situation.
Secondly, it can be performed by members with varying ability. Part 1 is advanced and Part 8 is very moderate. I would like all members to enjoy playing together as an ensemble without too many challenges.
Finally, I didn't include any special percussion equipment. The marimba can be played on a single 4-octave instrument, and the instruments after Part 4 can be substituted with other instruments or cut if unavailable.
The title "Percussion Paradise" can be abbreviated as "PP," so I used repetitious letters, like Benjamin Britten's "Simple Symphony" throughout. Feel free to describe the character of each movement.
1. Shiny Snare Drum
The ensemble advances around the snare drum. Aim for fast progression, making good use of the energy of the snare drum to move along. Pay attention to balance between membranes, cymbals, and keyboard percussion.
2. Genteel Glockenspiel
Three chords at the beginning can be played arpeggio (from the bottom) if handling three sticks is difficult. The crotales may also be substituted with glockenspiels or other metal percussion found in schools (tone chimes, handbells, etc.). There's a section with a compassionate prayer and a music box-like melody. Key is the ratchet performance.
3. Wiggly Woods
When played on a single 4-octave marimba, the first part should be played from the opposite side, facing each other. The 4th and 5th xylophones can also be substituted on a single marimba, and the 6th claves and other "pieces of wood" should be chosen for the lowest possible sound. Play as if forest fairies are frolicking around!
4. Dynamic Drums
As in the first movement, balance the battery to the keyboards. The motif is based on the beautiful azure dancing of a flame. It burns up as a flame, but stay calm. I hope you will see the flames as "ao" (blue) in the expression.
I look forward to a performance full of individuality, in which the performers' imagination is revealed through their creativity.
(Hiroyuki Yamazawa)
