Medium Percussion Quartet
by Thomas R. Marceau
4 players
Instrumentation: Glockenspiel, Vibraphone (w/ mallets and bow), 1-2 marimbas - (1) 4-octave*, (1) 4.6 octave (low E), 2 cymbals, 2 resonant metals or glasses.
* Optional share with marimba 2
Thomas R. Marceau composed Crystals for young percussionists who have been living in a world of battery percussion and are now taking their first steps into mallet playing. Each performer is given a limited number of pitches on their respective keyboards so they can focus on the rhythmic complexity of the music. In addition to a keyboard instrument, each performer is given an additional auxiliary percussion instrument like a cymbal, a crystal glass, or a resonant metal. With this piece, Marceau helps bridge the gap between non-pitched and pitched percussion playing in a fun and engaging way! Crystals comes with a full, bound score and includes a CD-ROM containing an audio recording and all individual parts available for printing.
