Bolero's Blues

by David Reeves

14 players

Instrumentation: 

• Glockenspiel (pedal glock, if available)
• Xylophone
• 4 vibraphones
• 4 marimbas—(2) low A, (2) low F
• Chimes
• Crotales (2 octaves)
• 4 timpani (32”, 29”, 26”, 23”)
• Tam-tam (medium preferred)
• Drums — snare drum, bongos, kick drum w/ pedal, concert bass drum
• Accessories — castanet machine, medium triangle (mounted), sand blocks (2), slapstick
• Cymbals — hi-hat, small China, medium China, splash, med/large suspended, sizzle

Bolero’s Blues, in David Reeves’ own words, is “a bluesy personification and tongue-in-cheek nod to both the Spanish dance form called the ‘bolero’ and the wildly popular one-act ballet score Bolero by Maurice Ravel.”

Indeed, this work for advanced percussion orchestra is full of colorful moments that are a treat to listen to. Frequent meter changes complement a chromatic, blues-oriented harmonic language. The result is a collection of phrases that vary wildly in character, always engaging the listener. This is a perfect centerpiece for a collegiate or advanced high school percussion ensemble concert, and may be performed with or without a conductor!

Bolero’s Blues ships as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.