2015 – for percussion quartet – 10:00

Sheet Music

Score (pdf)
Glockenspiel Part (pdf)
Xylophone Part (pdf)
Vibraphone Part (pdf)
Marimba Part (pdf)

Recording

Album: What Goes Around
Date: October 25, 2019
Musician(s): Beverley Johnston
Producer: Frank Horvat and Jean Martin
Location: Canterbury Music Co., Toronto
Label: Centrediscs

Programme Notes

Wood & Metal Bars is a composition where I continue to explore my fascination with looping motifs. Minimalist music has always had a strong connection to percussion performing forces, especially in the work of Steve Reich whose music has been a big influence on me. In composing this percussion-only piece, I wanted to ensure that melody was just as important as rhythm. That is why I decided to create a quartet utilizing the four main mallet instruments. It was interesting to explore the balance in timbre between wood and bell-like sounds.

One thing that makes this work unique compared to most of my other compositions is that it is not programmatic, in other words, not based on a specific non-musical influence. What does make it quite typical of my other works is that it invites the listener to go into another headspace and allow for a certain level of introspection.

I find the piece to be energetic and happy. At the time of composing it, I was in a good spot in my life, feeling content. I hope that rubbed off here.

– Frank Horvat