New York City recently played host to the Montreal-based Sixtrum Percussion ensemble, who presented a pair of concerts at the Time:Spans festival. the performances,celebrated as a late-summer highlight on the New York cultural calendar,displayed the ensemble’s versatility and mastery of the marimba.
A Contrasting Program of Canadian and American Composers
Table of Contents
- 1. A Contrasting Program of Canadian and American Composers
- 2. Higdon’s Melodic Opening
- 3. Champagne’s Tense Exploration
- 4. Nobles’ Unexpected Highlight
- 5. McPhee and Reich: Echoes of Tradition and Innovation
- 6. The Growing Popularity of Percussion Ensembles
- 7. Frequently asked Questions about Sixtrum Percussion and Marimba Music
- 8. How does teh tuning system of Balinese marimbas (pelog and slendro scales) differ from Western marimbas and what effect does this have on the sound?
- 9. Journeying Across the Globe: sixtrum Percussion Brings Marimba Magic from Bali to New York City
- 10. The Allure of Balinese Gamelan & Marimba Traditions
- 11. Understanding the Balinese Marimba: Beyond the Western Instrument
- 12. sixtrum Percussion: A Transcultural Collaboration
- 13. New York City Performances & Impact
- 14. The Benefits of Experiencing Balinese Percussion
- 15. Practical tips for New Listeners
the second concert, held on Saturday, presented a striking contrast in styles, showcasing the work of both Canadian and American composers. The program was unified by the central instrument: a collection of large, wooden marimbas that dominated the stage. The ensemble’s ability to navigate these diverse pieces was a testament to their skill and dedication.
Higdon’s Melodic Opening
The evening commenced with Jennifer Higdon’s 2006 composition, conceived for three four-hand marimbas. Higdon, a Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy Award winner, is known for her “intuitive” approach to composing. Splendid Wood provided an inviting and melodic start to the evening,characterized by its fast unison lines and harmonious arrangements.
Champagne’s Tense Exploration
Sixtrum than transitioned to Éric Champagne’s Where from choc, a 2020 piece revised in 2022. This work built tension through metered dissonance, employing brushes and bows to add textural layers. While the marimba’s inherent sound remained central, Champagne’s composition created a compelling, though occasionally unsettling, experience.
Nobles’ Unexpected Highlight
Jordan Nobles’ Still Life emerged as an unexpected highlight. The ensemble employed a striking stereo field, leaving two center instruments unattended, generating fast repetitions and gradual modulations, that instilled a captivating, trancelike state before receding into a near-silent drone within just five minutes. Originally composed for choir in 2006, Nobles’ re-imagining for the marimba ensemble proved particularly effective.
McPhee and Reich: Echoes of Tradition and Innovation
A 1934 arrangement of shadow puppet theater music by Colin McPhee, entitled Balinese Ceremonial Music, followed. Fabrice Marandola’s arrangement for Sixtrum was playful and engaging, working as a prelude to the night’s main event.
The concert culminated with Steve Reich’s Six Marimbas. Originally conceived in 1973 as Six Pianos, Reich’s work translated brilliantly to the marimba. The music’s intricate patterns and relentless energy evoked the rhythms of urban life, creating a hypnotic and immersive experience for the audience. The ensemble’s performance conveyed the frenetic pace of city life, resembling rush hour viewed from above, meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed.
| Composer | Work | year |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Higdon | Splendid Wood | 2006 |
| Éric Champagne | Where from choc | 2020 (rev. 2022) |
| Jordan Nobles | Still Life | 2006/Revised |
| Colin McPhee | balinese Ceremonial Music | 1934 |
| Steve Reich | Six Marimbas | 1996 |
The Growing Popularity of Percussion Ensembles
Percussion ensembles like Sixtrum Percussion are gaining prominence in the contemporary music scene. This growth reflects a broader interest in exploring the diverse sonic possibilities of percussion instruments, breaking away from traditional orchestral roles. According to a 2024 report by the National Endowment for the Arts, attendance at percussion-focused concerts has increased by 15% over the past five years.
Did You Know? The marimba, originating in Guatemala, evolved from a simpler folk instrument to a complex concert instrument over centuries. Today, marimbas are crafted from various hardwoods, each contributing to a unique tonal quality.
Pro Tip: When attending a percussion concert, try to focus not just on the rhythm, but also on the timbral qualities of the different instruments. The subtle nuances in tone can considerably enhance your listening experience.
Frequently asked Questions about Sixtrum Percussion and Marimba Music
- What is a marimba? A marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones.
- What makes Sixtrum Percussion unique? Sixtrum Percussion is known for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances of contemporary marimba music.
- who is Jennifer Higdon? Jennifer Higdon is a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Grammy-nominated American composer known for her accessible and melodic style.
- What is the meaning of Steve reich’s Six Marimbas? Six Marimbas is a celebrated work by Steve Reich, renowned for its minimalist patterns and hypnotic rhythms.
- Where can I learn more about percussion ensembles? The percussive arts Society (https://pas.org/) is a valuable resource for information about percussion instruments and performers.
What resonated most with you during Sixtrum Percussion’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Did you enjoy this article? Please share it with your friends and fellow music lovers!
How does teh tuning system of Balinese marimbas (pelog and slendro scales) differ from Western marimbas and what effect does this have on the sound?
Journeying Across the Globe: sixtrum Percussion Brings Marimba Magic from Bali to New York City
The Allure of Balinese Gamelan & Marimba Traditions
For centuries, the enchanting sounds of gamelan, conventional Balinese ensemble music, have captivated listeners. Central to this sonic landscape is the marimba, a percussion instrument with roots stretching back to ancient java and evolving uniquely in Bali. Sixtrum Percussion, a dynamic ensemble led by I nyoman Windha, is now sharing this vibrant musical heritage with New York City audiences, bridging cultures and offering a fresh perspective on world music. This isn’t simply a concert series; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of Balinese artistic expression.
Understanding the Balinese Marimba: Beyond the Western Instrument
While the Western marimba typically features a tuned row of wooden bars struck with mallets, the balinese gangsa and gender – instruments closely related to the marimba – possess distinct characteristics.
Construction: Balinese marimbas frequently enough utilize bamboo resonators and are crafted from specific hardwoods like pule or teak, influencing their tonal qualities.
Tuning: The tuning systems differ significantly. Balinese instruments employ pelog and slendro scales, microtonal systems unfamiliar to Western ears, creating a shimmering, complex sound.
Playing Technique: Balinese marimba players utilize a unique damping technique, often using the palm of their hand to subtly control the sustain of each note, creating intricate rhythmic patterns. This contrasts with the sustained resonance frequently enough favored in Western marimba performance.
Ensemble Role: These instruments aren’t typically solo instruments; they are integral parts of the gamelan orchestra, interweaving with other percussion, gongs, and sometimes vocal elements.
sixtrum Percussion: A Transcultural Collaboration
Founded by I Nyoman windha, a master Balinese musician and composer, Sixtrum Percussion isn’t about replicating traditional gamelan in New York. It’s about a thoughtful dialog between Balinese and Western musical sensibilities. Windha’s compositions often incorporate:
Traditional Balinese Rhythms: Complex kotekan interlocking rhythms, a hallmark of gamelan music, are frequently featured.
Western Harmonic Influences: Subtle harmonic elements borrowed from jazz and contemporary classical music are woven into the arrangements.
Improvisation: Allowing for spontaneous musical exploration, adding a layer of dynamism to performances.
Cross-Cultural Instrumentation: Blending traditional Balinese instruments with Western percussion instruments like vibraphone and marimba, creating a unique sonic palette.
New York City Performances & Impact
Sixtrum Percussion’s performances in New York City have garnered critical acclaim. Recent engagements include:
The Stone: A renowned experimental music venue in the East Village, providing an intimate setting for Sixtrum’s nuanced sound.
Lincoln Center out of Doors: A high-profile performance reaching a diverse audience, showcasing balinese music on a major stage.
Educational Workshops: Sixtrum Percussion actively conducts workshops in schools and universities, introducing students to Balinese music and percussion techniques. These workshops frequently enough cover topics like gamelan history, instrument construction, and rhythmic notation.
These performances aren’t just entertainment; they’re cultural exchange opportunities. They foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for Balinese art and music within the New York City community.
The Benefits of Experiencing Balinese Percussion
Attending a Sixtrum Percussion performance offers several benefits:
Exposure to a Unique Musical Tradition: Discover a sound world vastly different from Western popular music.
Enhanced Rhythmic Awareness: The complex polyrhythms of gamelan music can sharpen your rhythmic perception.
Stress Reduction: the meditative qualities of gamelan music can promote relaxation and mindfulness.
Cultural Enrichment: Gain a deeper understanding of Balinese culture and artistic expression.
Support for cross-Cultural Artistic Collaboration: Encourage the continued exchange of ideas and creativity between cultures.
Practical tips for New Listeners
If you’re new to Balinese music, here are a few tips to enhance your listening experience:
Focus on the Interplay of Rhythms: Don’t try to follow every individual line; instead, listen to how the different rhythmic patterns interact.
Embrace the Microtones: The subtle variations in pitch may sound unfamiliar at first, but allow your ear to adjust.
Attend a Workshop: A hands-on workshop can provide valuable context and insight into the music.
Explore Online Resources: Numerous recordings
