Joy Variations (Download)Joy Variations (Download)
Click to enlarge

More images

Click to enlarge

Purchase

Joy Variations (Download)

for mallet percussion ensemble
Level: Med-Advanced
Duration: 5:20
Personnel: 9 players
State Lists: Florida
Release Date: 2023
Product ID : TSPCE23-021DL
Price: $46.00
Item #: TSPCE23-021DL

Formats Available:


Description

Joy Variations by Paul Millette is a blissful and radiant work for mallet percussion ensemble. The piece is based upon two variations of a theme that permeate the work. As the variations develop, an assortment of colors and textures emerge, dissipate, and transform into the next palette. Joy Variations’ bustling marimba figures, soaring vibraphone melodies, and syncopated interplay make this a memorable and delightful piece.

Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.

Instrumentation

Crotales (2 octaves)

Glockenspiel

Chimes

2 Vibraphones

2 Marimbas — (1) low A, (1) low F

Reviews

“Joy Variations” is a pleasingly rhythmic and melodic piece. From the first measure the lovely timbres and simple groove grab listeners and carry them through the next five-and-a-half minutes. The various parts take turns playing the themes. The ebb and flow of dynamics adds a nice facet to the accompaniment parts, while the themes pop out above the texture. The metallics and woods balance perfectly and form into a truly beautiful mallet ensemble.

The themes are catchy without being overused, and the ostinato parts are subtle enough to have nuance. The crotales in particular are used to brilliant effect, with dampening creating rhythmic clarity. The vibraphone parts require four mallets and a good grasp of pedaling technique and knowledge. The marimba parts are largely two-mallet with a few scattered instances of four-note chords. The chime part is the sparsest, but when the chimes do play they are triumphant and bring out the joyful intention of the piece.

The piece calls for four marimbists, but they can share two instruments if four marimbas are not available, and none of them need to be 5-octave. This makes “Joy Variations” doable for an ensemble with a smaller instrument inventory. The piece is labeled as “medium-advanced” but is more on the medium side. The players need to have a good grasp of musicality to make the most of the written dynamics.

“Joy Variations” is one of those rare mallet ensembles that is both groovy and very pretty. It leaves the listener satisfied without being long-winded. At just over five minutes, this piece would be a wonderful addition to any percussion ensemble concert.

—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 6, December 2023

Description

Joy Variations by Paul Millette is a blissful and radiant work for mallet percussion ensemble. The piece is based upon two variations of a theme that permeate the work. As the variations develop, an assortment of colors and textures emerge, dissipate, and transform into the next palette. Joy Variations’ bustling marimba figures, soaring vibraphone melodies, and syncopated interplay make this a memorable and delightful piece.

Use of this product is governed by the license terms outlined here.

Instrumentation

Crotales (2 octaves)

Glockenspiel

Chimes

2 Vibraphones

2 Marimbas — (1) low A, (1) low F

Reviews

“Joy Variations” is a pleasingly rhythmic and melodic piece. From the first measure the lovely timbres and simple groove grab listeners and carry them through the next five-and-a-half minutes. The various parts take turns playing the themes. The ebb and flow of dynamics adds a nice facet to the accompaniment parts, while the themes pop out above the texture. The metallics and woods balance perfectly and form into a truly beautiful mallet ensemble.

The themes are catchy without being overused, and the ostinato parts are subtle enough to have nuance. The crotales in particular are used to brilliant effect, with dampening creating rhythmic clarity. The vibraphone parts require four mallets and a good grasp of pedaling technique and knowledge. The marimba parts are largely two-mallet with a few scattered instances of four-note chords. The chime part is the sparsest, but when the chimes do play they are triumphant and bring out the joyful intention of the piece.

The piece calls for four marimbists, but they can share two instruments if four marimbas are not available, and none of them need to be 5-octave. This makes “Joy Variations” doable for an ensemble with a smaller instrument inventory. The piece is labeled as “medium-advanced” but is more on the medium side. The players need to have a good grasp of musicality to make the most of the written dynamics.

“Joy Variations” is one of those rare mallet ensembles that is both groovy and very pretty. It leaves the listener satisfied without being long-winded. At just over five minutes, this piece would be a wonderful addition to any percussion ensemble concert.

—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 6, December 2023


You may also like...

John Philip Sousa’s patriotic masterpiece brought to life via this charming arrangement for four players on two marimbas and optional xylophone.
Duration: 3:10 | Level: Med-Advanced | Personnel: 4 players
$36.00
A mysterious, energetic piece for developing percussion ensemble, inspired by a unique type of star. Features optional audio accompaniment.
Duration: 3:30 | Level: Easy | Personnel: 6 players
$35.00
A simple percussion quartet, perfect for young percussionists who have recently been introduced to 16th-note subdivisions.
Duration: 2:00 | Level: Med-Easy | Personnel: 4 players
$32.00
Three intermediate players, one marimba, and a quirky take on salsa!
Duration: 2:00 | Level: Medium
$32.00
#TAPSPACE