Advanced Percussion Quartet (Or Optional Mallet Trio)
by Alex Stopa
3-4 Players
Instrumentation: 1 glockenspiel, 1 vibraphone, 2 marimbas—(1) low A, (1) low C, 1 timpano* (29”), Drums* (3 concert toms, snare drum, kick drum w/ pedal), Cymbals* (2 suspended cymbals—small and large), Accessories* (mark tree, 1 tubular bell—Eb4)
*This piece is playable as a percussion quartet or as a mallet trio option. If performing as a mallet trio, percussion instruments listed with asterisks are not required.
Spiral by Alex Stopa is an exploration of rhythmic relationships within odd-time meters, with a fusion of the harmonic languages of jazz and pop music. At its core, the piece is made up of a spiraling rhythmic pattern of five, what Stopa calls a “musical double helix,” which is omnipresent throughout. There is also an element of improvisation in the piece, as there are moments where players take solos. For performers uncomfortable with improvising, written-out mallet solos are included.
This piece may be performed as either a percussion quartet, or mallet trio. Ossia measures and a cut are notated for the trio version.
Spiral comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.
