Northampton is an intermediate four-mallet solo for marimba by Gary Fieldman. The piece utilizes the interval of the perfect fifth throughout. Rhythmically it moves between the meters of 3/4 and 6/8. Basic elements of four-mallet technique function as a great study for advancing marimbists to develop their touch in balancing melody and accompaniment.
With its reflective and thoughtful quality, Northampton will please recital audiences while serving as a technical showcase for excelling players.
This piece comes as a professionally bound folio. It is not currently being offered as downloadable merchandise.
Brian Zator
Reviewed in Percussive Notes July 2010
“This marimba solo is meant for intermediate-level players to focus on interval stability utilizing various stroke types. As stated in the performance notes, Fieldman “utilizes the interval of the perfect fifth throughout to give the piece the open and resonant quality associated with that interval.” In addition to constant intervals in both hands, eighth notes are played without break alternating between 3/4 and 6/8. While an open harmonic stasis is attained, there are three general motives used throughout with repetition and slight variations. However, there are no moments of silence, only ritardandos and accelerandos notated. The insistent eighth notes and lack of thythmic variations will provide a challenge to younger players to hold down the accompaniment and bring out the primary motives.”
