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Nola-Béla-Sowega (Percussion Quartet)
Genre: Percussion Ensemble
# of Players: 4
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 8:15
Publisher: C. Alan Publications | Copyright: 2018
Download mp3 | Click on images to left for score sample
Rating:
Price:
$36.00
Item #:
24810
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Notes & Instrumentation
Nola-Béla-Sowega for percussion quartet was inspired by the New Orleans brass band tradition and the rhythmically vibrant works of Béla Bartók. The work follows Bartók’s signature arch form (ABCBA) and seeks to be a virtuosic showpiece for mallet percussion in a manner similar to the finale from Bartók’s fourth string quartet.
Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 4
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 8:15
Instrumentation
Percussion 1: Marimba (4.3-octave), Large Concert Tom, Splash Cymbal
Percussion 2: Marimba (5.0-octave), Cabasa/Shaker, Large Concert Tom, China Cymbal
Percussion 3: Vibraphone, 3 Woodblocks, Large Concert Tom, Tambourine (hand-held), Ice Bell, Small Triangle
Percussion 4: Bongos, Kick Bass Drum (w/ pedal), Tambourine (mounted), China Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, Large Concert Tom, Medium Concert Tom, Sizzle Cymbal, Glockenspiel, Opera Gong, Ice Bell, Ribbon Crasher/Tight Hi-Hat, Cowbell
Program Notes
Nola-Béla-Sowega for percussion quartet was inspired by the New Orleans brass band tradition and the rhythmically vibrant works of Béla Bartók. The work follows Bartók’s signature arch form (ABCBA) and seeks to be a virtuosic showpiece for mallet percussion in a manner similar to the finale from Bartók’s fourth string quartet. The driving ostinati of New Orleans funk and second-line traditions are used throughout with a brief intervening of a motive from Concerto for Orchestra in the guise of “night music” during the middle of the work. This piece was commissioned by and dedicated to blueSHIFT Percussion Quartet. -
Video
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Nola Bela Sowega (percussion quartet) - James M. David
Performed by blueSHIFT Percussion Published by C. Alan Publications (http://c-alanpublications.com/nola-bela-sowega/) INSTRUMENTATION Percussion 1: Marimba (4.3-octave), Large Concert Tom, Splash Cymbal Percussion 2: Marimba (5.0-octave), Cabasa/Shaker, Large Concert Tom, China Cymbal Percussion 3: Vibraphone, 3 Woodblocks, Large Concert Tom, Tambourine (hand-held), Ice Bell, Small Triangle Percussion 4: Bongos, Kick Bass Drum (w/ pedal), Tambourine (mounted), China Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, Large Concert Tom, Medium Concert Tom, Sizzle Cymbal, Glockenspiel, Opera Gong, Ice Bell, Ribbon Crasher/Tight Hi-Hat, Cowbell
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Product Reviews
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Percussive Notes New Literature Review
Graduate-level and professional percussion quartets searching for a challenging yet funky concert opener should consider “Nola-Béla-Sowega.” Commissioned by and dedicated to the blueSHIFT Percussion Quartet, this monster work is inspired by traditional New Orleans brass band music and the compositional style of Béla Bartók. The structural basis follows his signature ABCBA arch form and references a motive from “Concerto for Orchestra” during the middle portion of the piece. This, combined with the energetic rhythms found in second-line traditions, makes for truly unique composition.
One of the greatest challenges presented in “Nola-Béla-Sowega” is maintaining rhythmic clarity as an ensemble. James M. David uses a generous amount of complex rhythms from start to finish, many of which transition from one gesture to the next. For example, measure 75 uses overlapping dotted-quarter, eighthnote quintuplet, and quarter-note figures by all four players, while measures 94–97 explore the relationship between offbeat eighth notes and quarter-note triplets. These types of rhythmic motives are scattered throughout the entirety of the piece and create a very impressive effect.
Extensive four-mallet technique is required from Players 1, 2, and 3, with an emphasis on double vertical strokes at an interval of a sixth or larger. Another important consideration is the instrumentation, which calls for over 25 instruments. I appreciate all the detail in the score and parts. Tempo indications and stylistic concepts are clearly marked, and mallet changes are notated well in advance. Furthermore, individual parts are formatted to allow easy, yet quick, page turns. This is vital for compositions of this length, especially for players who choose not to memorize their music. Certainly a virtuosic showcase for percussion quartet, “Nola-Béla-Sowega” would fit a vast number of performance situations and be pleasing to any audience.
Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 57, No. 3, July 2019 Danielle Moreau on Jul 13th 2022
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