Four Chopin Preludes (4 Players on 2 Marimbas)

Arranged for 4 players on two 5-octave marimbas, the selected piano preludes of Chopin demonstrate the essential elements of Romantic composition—lyrical melodies, drama, and emotional expression. With a quartet performing works of such expression most typically performed solo, the players are tasked with successfully conveying these concepts as they pass melodies and harmonies back and forth, making their combined sound as effective as the hands of a Romantic pianist.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 9:15 total

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Marimba 1: 5-octave*
Marimba 2: 5-octave*
Marimba 3: 5-octave*
Marimba 4: 5-octave*

*Only two 5-octave marimbas, shared between Players 1 & 3 and 2 & 4 are required for performance.

Program Notes
Arranged for 4 players on two 5-octave marimbas, the selected piano preludes of Chopin demonstrate the essential elements of Romantic composition—lyrical melodies, drama, and emotional expression. With a quartet performing works of such expression most typically performed solo, the players are tasked with successfully conveying these concepts as they pass melodies and harmonies back and forth, making their combined sound as effective as the hands of a Romantic pianist.

Prelude in G-sharp Minor
This prelude is a fierce opener. Ascending chromaticism in addition to a spirited triple meter gives this prelude a feel of ever-forward motion. While it predominantly carries great weight and articulate force, there are also moments of tranquility and unresolvement. These dueling elements, displayed by four players, creates a musically effective and visually intriguing start to the piece.

Prelude in F-sharp Major
This prelude is a masterclass in Romantic emotional expression. A slow, lyrical melody is played over an ever-flowing chromatic harmony. The outer sections of this prelude feature said harmony by means of arpeggiations dovetailed between two players. That is sandwiched by an even more expressive middle section, where the melody is supported by a harmonic padding of pulsing eighth notes. The juxtaposition of a steady harmonic pattern played behind a rubato, emotional melody provides all the right ingredients for a beautiful, Romantic Era composition.

Prelude in D-flat Major
Known as the “Raindrop” prelude, this is perhaps one of Chopin’s most recognizable works, and the longest of his preludes. In the opening section of this prelude, a gentle, expressive melody is accompanied by an ever pulsing single note ostinato. This perpetual rhythmic pulse seamlessly transitions to a darker middle section, ebbing and flowing from its motor rhythm to explosive and powerful chords. The ostinato remains through the reprisal of the opening melody and persists until the prelude’s end.

Prelude in B-fat Minor
This final prelude is a lightning fast, virtuosic closer. A whirlwind of a melody is dovetailed between two players as the other two support with a repeating ostinato accompanimental pattern. With nearly no moment to pause, this virtuosic spectacle is a wonderful way to bring this collection of preludes to a climactic close.