Claire performing during her concert at the 2010 Festival. Photo Bruce Hedge.
Presented by Musica Viva
Concert percussion as we know it today is a relatively "new" instrument, linked quite strenuously to the percussion up the back of an orchestra. This is why, at my uniquely programmed Woodend Winter Arts Festival performances, I have decided to take you on a journey through time and cultures, touching on the roots of percussion throughout the world and over the ages.
We begin in Africa, where the impressive 5 octave marimba has its foundations (in the timbila and m'Mbira) and then move on to the more recent Japanese developments of the instrument in the 20th Century by Keiko Abe and her counterparts.
The hand drumming traditions and vocalising of the Indian and Latin cultures are pitted against the 20th century Jazz movement where the vibraphone and drum set were utilised like never before.
Finally, the ritual element of most cultures seems to be accompanied by a form of live percussion - here I present an ancient Homeric hymn accompanied by four clay flower pots - a homage to the earth, alongside a ritualistic feast by the grand daddy of percussion music, Iannis Xenakis.
A special appearance by the rare Waterphone (www.waterphone.com) will open proceedings. The sound of this mystical instrument has often been likened to that of whale song - it transcends the here and now and will transport you to another world on the outset of our journey together through the magical world of percussion.
Woodend Winter Arts Festival "Roots of Percussion" Program
Gerard Brophy - Trance Ripple (2' marimba)
Matthias Schmitt - 6 Miniatures (movt. 2, 5, 6) (5'30 marimba)
Roberto Sierra - Bongo-0 (4' bongos)
Paul Maslanka - Madrigal from My Lady White (4' marimba)
Frederic Rzweski - To the Earth (8' flower pots & voice)
Matthias Schmitt - 6 Miniatures (movt. 2, 5, 6) (5'30 marimba)
Roberto Sierra - Bongo-0 (4' bongos)
Paul Maslanka - Madrigal from My Lady White (4' marimba)
Frederic Rzweski - To the Earth (8' flower pots & voice)
Keiko Abe - Ancient Vase (5' marimba)
Ross Edwards - Marimba Dances 1 (3'30" marimba)
Stuart Greenbaum - Clockwork Lemon (6'30 drum set)
Stuart Greenbaum - 4th Saturday in April (2' marimba)
Chick Corea Children's Songs (movt. 6 & 18) (4'30 marimba)
Iannis Xenakis - Rebonds (7' drums)
Chick Corea Children's Songs (movt. 6 & 18) (4'30 marimba)
Iannis Xenakis - Rebonds (7' drums)
