(Half or Full) Nelson, for solo vibraphone, includes one score.
Print size: 11 x 17"
Review from Percussive Notes:
(Half of Full) Nelson
David Macbride
“(Half of Full) Nelson” is a set of two short pieces inspired by vibraphonist Steve Nelson. If played together, the title is “Full Nelson”; if
played separately, it is “Half Nelson.”
A note at the beginning of the second piece reads, “impetuous, unpredictable (lyrical, suddenly in your face).” That note is an appropriate summary of the entire work. While it has the performer moving around quite quickly to navigate difficult passages with frequent, sudden tempo changes, it also takes advantage of space and silence. There are frequent reminders throughout reinforcing the importance of the patience this work requires (“long,” “longer,” “WAIT”). Its complexity requires a mature musician with polished chops, much like its eponymous
inspiration. As such, this is appropriate for advanced college students or professional players.
The quality of the score leaves a bit to be desired. The published score is a photocopy of the handwritten original. Even though the score was written very neatly, a dirty scanner bed used to make the copies left a multitude of extraneous dots and lines on each page. This is sometimes referred to as “salt-and-pepper” noise or impulse noise, and when paired with the inherent irregularities of handwritten scores it results in reduced legibility, particularly in busier passages. Don’t let that deter you from checking this out, though. “(Half of Full) Nelson” is the result of dedicated, careful attention to detail, and it is deserving of your attention.
—Brian Elizondo, 2020
Demo:
