Vibes and Garnishes

“Vibes & Garnishes” is a collaboratively composed solo work for multiple percussion and audio accompaniment. The title playfully refers to its instrumentation, which uses a vibraphone as the piece’s “main dish” and a small selection of metal instruments that serve as the “garnishes.” At just over five minutes in length, it is well suited for undergraduate degree recitals and students who are comfortable with multiple percussion setups but have little experience performing works with electronics.

I was impressed with the information provided in the performance notes. Setup suggestions, implement needs, pedaling, and other musical notations are clearly explained. While the instrumentation includes an opera gong tuned to E-flat, the composers state that any object with a short sound may be substituted. There are universal, step-by-step instructions for setting up the electronic accompaniment, including software and hardware needs, input/output assignments, and recommended equipment. I found this information particularly helpful, especially for performers who may not be familiar with click tracks.

The score uses a modified grand staff, with the percussion instruments on the top and the vibraphone on the bottom. This makes reading the music much easier, as players know exactly what to expect from line to line. Additionally, pedal markings, suggested stickings, and implement changes are provided when necessary. Even though the vibraphone is favored throughout the work, there is plenty of gestural interplay between the keyboard and accessories.

I really enjoyed the overall structure of “Vibes & Garnishes.” It is a fun, exciting, and worthwhile piece that finishes with a beautiful ad lib section and gives players the opportunity to explore using electronics in performance settings.

—Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 60, No. 2, April 2022