A brass and percussion duet. Composer Erik Lund's most popular work. Music for Tuba and Mallet Instruments, features exciting solo passages and dramatic interaction. Both players will enjoy this well-written duet which, with its unique combination of timbres, has become a standard on both percussion and tuba recitals. duration: ca. 12'
Print size: Legal (8.5 x 14")
Review from Percussive Notes:
Music for Tuba and Mallet Instruments
Erik Lund
Composed in 1983, “Music for Tuba and Mallet Instruments” is a roughly 12-minute, highly demanding work that will challenge both performers in a variety of ways. Much of the piece is gestural in nature, with performers playing off of each other outside of a strict tempo and beat structure. In fact, most of the piece lacks the presence of time signatures or barlines. This will require mature performers in order to interpret and connect these phrases in musically viable ways. Thankfully, the composer provides a very clear score with good direction as to what he wants. Due to the nature of the work, both performers will be required to perform from the score. This will require a good amount of organization or memorization on the part of the percussionist, especially when you add in the moving between instruments.
Technically, the percussionist will need to be an accomplished player with good command of four-mallet technique. The harmonic nature of the piece relies more on clusters of notes with some brisk intervallic changes as opposed to triadic harmony and voice leading. The navigation of the percussionist between the marimba and vibraphone is also challenging, though all of the changes are realistic.
“Music for Tuba and Mallet Instruments” is a challenging work on many levels, from the technical and musical demands to the logistical. Those performers willing to pursue this endeavor will find a solid addition to any advanced senior, graduate, or professional recital.
—Brian Nozny, 2020
