Watch the Melting Glaciers is an intermediate level composition for two-mallet marimba and piano. It utilizes the polyrhythm of four over three, which is also found in the speech cadence of the title itself.
Delineated in seven sections, Glaciers is a programmatic composition loosely constructed around the subject of global warming. Built on a major/minor tonality, it has a sound that is both accessible and contemporary. The element of improvisation is employed in one section, and improvisational suggestions are offered in the performance notes.
Check out Gary Fieldman's brand new CD (released 2016), Grasp the Swallow's Tail, which features Watch the Melting Glaciers.
Performed by Gary Fieldman (marimba) and Maxim Lubarski (piano)
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Performed by Joseph Menditto and Charmaine Ramos
"Immaculate in every way, Watch the Melting Glaciers focuses on the flawless marimba-playing of Fieldman. The blending of the piano and marimba is gorgeous. It juxtaposes tension and ease with two instruments enhancing the beauty of the other. Shifting effortlessly from fast to slow rhythms, this [piece] navigates through quiet waters and intense rapids. The stunning contrasts makes one appreciate the beauty of stillness and the lure of the wild."
–Stacey Zering
No Depression Magazine
September, 2016
This two-mallet solo for 4.0-octave marimba and piano is a seven-section work that lasts approximately 5½ minutes. Written in a through-composed style, both instruments share the responsibility of communicating the character of this programmatic piece that is “loosely constructed around the subject of global warming.” There is a balanced give-and-take narrative between both players and refreshingly smooth transitions between each section.
This piece will expose a marimbist to technical aspects such as unison runs with the piano player, single-note melodic ideas spread across the range of the marimba, and an extensive use of a 4:3 polyrhythm. While the 4:3 polythythm is used throughout the work, the music never gets stale, as Fieldman treats the polyrhythm as a vehicle to facilitate continuity, communication of a variety of musical moods, and even a metric modulation. Harmonically, there is a strong jazz foundation to the work reminiscent of Dave Brubeck and Vince Guaraldi. For each instrument’s 16-bar improv section, Fieldman includes transcriptions of solos heard on the enclosed audio and video recordings.
This piece is appropriate for an intermediate marimba player who is ready for the challenges that come with performing with another instrument in a solo and ensemble setting, master class, or recital.
–Joshua D. Smith
Percussive Notes
Vol. 48, No. 4, July 2010
Watch the Melting Glaciers is an intermediate level composition for two-mallet marimba and piano. It utilizes the polyrhythm of four over three, which is also found in the speech cadence of the title itself.
Delineated in seven sections, Glaciers is a programmatic composition loosely constructed around the subject of global warming. Built on a major/minor tonality, it has a sound that is both accessible and contemporary. The element of improvisation is employed in one section, and improvisational suggestions are offered in the performance notes.
Check out Gary Fieldman's brand new CD (released 2016), Grasp the Swallow's Tail, which features Watch the Melting Glaciers.
Performed by Gary Fieldman (marimba) and Maxim Lubarski (piano)
Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.
Performed by Joseph Menditto and Charmaine Ramos
"Immaculate in every way, Watch the Melting Glaciers focuses on the flawless marimba-playing of Fieldman. The blending of the piano and marimba is gorgeous. It juxtaposes tension and ease with two instruments enhancing the beauty of the other. Shifting effortlessly from fast to slow rhythms, this [piece] navigates through quiet waters and intense rapids. The stunning contrasts makes one appreciate the beauty of stillness and the lure of the wild."
–Stacey Zering
No Depression Magazine
September, 2016
This two-mallet solo for 4.0-octave marimba and piano is a seven-section work that lasts approximately 5½ minutes. Written in a through-composed style, both instruments share the responsibility of communicating the character of this programmatic piece that is “loosely constructed around the subject of global warming.” There is a balanced give-and-take narrative between both players and refreshingly smooth transitions between each section.
This piece will expose a marimbist to technical aspects such as unison runs with the piano player, single-note melodic ideas spread across the range of the marimba, and an extensive use of a 4:3 polyrhythm. While the 4:3 polythythm is used throughout the work, the music never gets stale, as Fieldman treats the polyrhythm as a vehicle to facilitate continuity, communication of a variety of musical moods, and even a metric modulation. Harmonically, there is a strong jazz foundation to the work reminiscent of Dave Brubeck and Vince Guaraldi. For each instrument’s 16-bar improv section, Fieldman includes transcriptions of solos heard on the enclosed audio and video recordings.
This piece is appropriate for an intermediate marimba player who is ready for the challenges that come with performing with another instrument in a solo and ensemble setting, master class, or recital.
–Joshua D. Smith
Percussive Notes
Vol. 48, No. 4, July 2010