Cart is empty
Until Next Time
Until Next Time by Benjamin Holmes is a piece for solo vibraphone whose melody and introspective character connects with the wistfulness and nostalgia in all of us. Written for the intermediate to advanced performer, the work allows ample opportunity for expression while at the same time telling its story very simply and delicately.
Until Next Time ships as a professionally bound folio with a color cover.
Vibraphone
According to composer Benjamin Holmes, this lyrical piece for solo vibraphone “explores the emotional journey of departure and anticipation of reunion.” It is composed for four mallets and calls upon the performer to utilize rotation strokes, single-mallet playing, and double stops. No pedaling is given, but there are a few muffling indications. This is a tad confusing, although it does allow for more interpretive input from the performer.
The opening and closing material is slow and rubato, with much room for expression and some virtuosic flourishes. The primary portion of the piece is divided into two sections, both with a fast, steady tempo. The first section has a ringing melody over undulating triplets. Holmes uses tenuto and accent marks as well as different stem directions to clearly indicate what is melody and what is accompaniment, thereby making it a great vehicle for shaping lines. The second primary section is technically challenging with triplets in one hand and eighth notes in the other.
Although the melody swaps hands a time or two, the right hand mostly plays it in eighth notes. “Until Next Time” ends with a short coda in the same character as the opening. This would be a pleasant addition to an undergraduate recital.
—Joseph Van Hassel
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 4, August 2024
Until Next Time by Benjamin Holmes is a piece for solo vibraphone whose melody and introspective character connects with the wistfulness and nostalgia in all of us. Written for the intermediate to advanced performer, the work allows ample opportunity for expression while at the same time telling its story very simply and delicately.
Until Next Time ships as a professionally bound folio with a color cover.
Vibraphone
According to composer Benjamin Holmes, this lyrical piece for solo vibraphone “explores the emotional journey of departure and anticipation of reunion.” It is composed for four mallets and calls upon the performer to utilize rotation strokes, single-mallet playing, and double stops. No pedaling is given, but there are a few muffling indications. This is a tad confusing, although it does allow for more interpretive input from the performer.
The opening and closing material is slow and rubato, with much room for expression and some virtuosic flourishes. The primary portion of the piece is divided into two sections, both with a fast, steady tempo. The first section has a ringing melody over undulating triplets. Holmes uses tenuto and accent marks as well as different stem directions to clearly indicate what is melody and what is accompaniment, thereby making it a great vehicle for shaping lines. The second primary section is technically challenging with triplets in one hand and eighth notes in the other.
Although the melody swaps hands a time or two, the right hand mostly plays it in eighth notes. “Until Next Time” ends with a short coda in the same character as the opening. This would be a pleasant addition to an undergraduate recital.
—Joseph Van Hassel
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 4, August 2024
