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Genre: Percussion Ensemble
# of Players: 12-13
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 7:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications | Copyright: 2019
Download mp3 | Click on images to left for score sample
In the Hawaiian language, the word Nalu stands for wave, in reference to those in the waters surrounding the islands of Hawaii. Through the use of counterpoint, syncopation, hocket, and hints of minimalist techniques, Nalu emulates the varying moods and textures of these ever-changing waves in the Pacific.
Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 12-13
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 7:00
Instrumentation
Glockenspiel + Chimes
Crotales (low octave) + Xylophone
Vibraphone 1
VIbraphone 2 (+ Small Caxixi or similar)
Marimba 1 (4.5-octave, shared with Marimba 4)
Marimba 2 (4.3-octave, shared with Marimba 3)
Marimba 3 (4.3-octave, shared with Marimba 2)
Marimba 4 (4.5-octave, shared with Marimba 1)
Marimba 5 (5-octave)
Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1 (Suspended Cymbal, Rainstick, Mark Tree,4 Concert Toms, China Cymbal)
Percussion 2 (Sizzle Cymbal, Ocean Drum, Concert Bass Drum, Triangle,Small Suspended Cymbal)
Optional Hand Percussion (Cajon, Djembe, Drumset, etc.)
Program Notes
In the Hawaiian language, the word Nalu stands for wave, in reference to those in the waters surrounding the islands of Hawaii. Through the use of counterpoint, syncopation, hocket, and hints of minimalist techniques, Nalu emulates the varying moods and textures of these ever-changing waves in the Pacific.
Though this work’s contrasting sections intend to portray the many states of the ocean’s waters, one notable memory from a trip in 2013 and my fascination for the beauty of nature shaped the beginning and ending of Nalu. Soon after arriving on the beach the first morning, a few grey clouds formed over the shore. With the sun shining brightly just above the horizon, the delicate trickles from the drizzle gently joined the faint wave breaks from the distance in a slow crescendo. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, an immense downpour and powerful gust overcame the coast, orchestrating a surge of sound from the ocean’s surface and the aggressive crashes on the shore. After a short while, the sun’s radiant rays seemed to dissolve the dark clouds within minutes and the glistening clear blue water of the Pacific returned to its calm state from beforehand. Just as the days cycle through light and dark, the waves and waters of the blue cycle though a multitude of characters, only to return to its original still, serene state.
Originally scored for 4 players on 2 marimbas, Nalu has been expanded to full percussion orchestra instrumentation, adding glockenspiel, chimes, crotales, xylophone, 2 vibraphones, and a wide assortment of battery and auxiliary instruments. The new arrangement was commissioned by the Roma High School Percussion Ensemble and their director, Moses Simon, for performance at the 2019 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
According to the composer, “In the Hawaiian language, the word Nalu stands for wave, in reference to those in the waters surrounding the islands of Hawaii. Through the use of counterpoint, syncopation, hocket, and hints of minimalist techniques, ‘Nalu’ emulates the varying moods and textures of these ever-changing waves in the Pacific.”
The piece is set in three sections, (ABA’), and makes use of beautifully tonal melodies and harmonies to paint a portrait of flowing water. Indeed, “waves” of sounds wash over the listener, with incessant rhythms reminiscent of the constant movement of the seas. The first section introduces the mood of the piece. The composer sets up the waves of sounds by beginning with the rhythmic elements that are a theme throughout. An introspective middle section leads into a more turbulent final section that leaves the listener breathless upon the final iteration of the rhythms.
I would recommend this piece for an advanced high school ensemble or a college ensemble. This arrangement was commissioned by the Roma High School Percussion Ensemble, directed by Moses Simon, for PASIC 2019. The composer notes that there is flexible instrumentation, and the hand percussion part is listed as optional. This piece would showcase a variety of abilities, and would definitely build interdependent musicianship skills at any level.
Cassie Bunting
Percussive Notes
Vol. 59, No. 2, April 2021 Cassie Bunting on Jun 17th 2022