Date and Location
When: Friday, June 14, 2024
Where: Reformed Church St. Johann in Schaffhausen
Admission: Free admission – donations welcomed
About the Concert
Experience an extraordinary night with the marimba, traversing through a variety of musical epochs and styles. This concert not only showcases the technical brilliance and emotional depth of the instrument but also an innovative mallet holding technique that redefines the sound world of the marimba.
Program
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Suite No. III in C Major, BWV 1009
- Prélude
- Allemande
- Courante
- Sarabande
- Bourrée I/II
- Gigue
David Long (*1950)
Three Scenes
- Aria
- Interlude
- Dance
Raymond Helble (*1949)
Toccata Fantasy
Andrew Thomas (*1939)
Merlin
About the Concert
“Marimba in St. Johann – Masterpieces for Marimba” on June 14, 2024, presents a rare opportunity to delve into the captivating world of marimba music. This concert stands out as a celebration of musical diversity and innovation, offering a deep dive into the unique soundscapes that the marimba can provide.
At the heart of the evening is a meticulously curated program that showcases both the historical depth and contemporary brilliance of marimba music. Beginning with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No. III in C Major, BWV 1009, a masterpiece that demonstrates the technical and emotional range of the marimba, the evening progresses through a series of musical landscapes that illuminate both the intimate and dynamic facets of the instrument.
With “Three Scenes” by David Long and “Toccata Fantasy” by Raymond Helble, we continue to explore the modern evolution of the marimba, with each composition bringing its unique texture and rhythmic complexity to the forefront. The concert’s finale, Andrew Thomas’ “Merlin,” promises a dramatic conclusion that transports the audience into a world of magic and musical mastery.
This concert also serves as a platform to showcase an innovative mallet holding technique I have developed over the years. This technique not only enhances the expressive potential of the marimba but also enriches the interpretation of each piece, offering a wider palette of timbres and finer dynamic control.
We invite you to be part of this musical journey, which promises to be not just a performance of outstanding compositions but also a discovery of the limitless possibilities the marimba as an instrument offers. It is a tribute to tradition, a glimpse into the future, and above all, a testament to the passion that music can awaken in us all.