Product Description
Alexandriana for percussion ensemble (12 performers) by
Dan Heslink
The
term "Alexandriana" is popularly used to reference the Great Library of antiquity
in Alexandria, Egypt. Rooted in Alexander the Greats global military and exploratory
exploits (334 - 323 BCE), the library symbolizes the ancient Greek ever expanding
worldview, especially under the influence of Alexander and his tutor,
Aristotle. Alexander died
long before construction of the Ancient Museum and Library of Alexandria, but the
concept of a "universal
library" was uniquely his.
The mixing of Hellenistic
columns with Egyptian architecture and the housing of thousands of scrolls in
Greek, Turkish, Babylonian, Egyptian and Hebrew, intensify the division of the
library broadly into two large sections, one for eastern knowledge and one for western
knowledge. In this musical score, typically western is the thematic
concept (expressed most clearly in the chimes), the tonal, triadic-based
harmony and sectional concept of form.
The
musics sectional nature parallels the librarys different rooms, each
containing their own genre of knowledge (history, mathematics, poetry, etc.) Evocative
of eastern musical practices are the simultaneous layers of different rhythmic
subdivisions, oriental modes, and florid lines in the xylophone and vibe parts.
In this score, eastern musical procedures are expressed with instruments
commonly found in the Western orchestra or wind band.
The
performers are encouraged to always emphasize the scores contrasts. Passages
for indefinitely pitched percussion featuring "the song within the drums"
contrast with other passages of purely quantitative rhythm. Complexity in the
interaction of parts contrast with simple rhythmic unison. Passages of thick
harmony contrast with modal monophonic melodies accompanied only by indefinitely
pitched sounds. Overall, there is a wide dynamic range.
During
long passages of gradually accruing energy, take care to not build dynamics too
quickly, and during fortissimo passages, drums should be stroked in a manner
that avoids excessive aggression. The rhythmic background of 16th notes must be
consistent among all players so that interlocking rhythmic motifs are
consistent. Often the tom-toms have melodic passages that imitate the shape of mallet
or timpani melodies. Tune the drums for a warm, round sound and select mallets
accordingly. Bar percussion players should apply a flowing legato to their passage
work. Soft sections are intended to sound mysterious: be sure to use mallets that
match that character.
The
composer assigns a performance level of difficult to this work. Performance
time is 9:15. The composer, Dan Heslink, can be reached at dan@dheslink.com.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.