Song of the Open Road (Vibraphone & Piano)

Write A Review

1. Percussive Notes New Literature Review

   This is a wonderful, three-section concert piece for vibraphone with piano accompaniment (there are also orchestra and wind ensemble versions). With this 10-minute piece, Walter Mertens has offered a stunning contribution to the concert vibraphone repertoire.
   
   The piece was inspired by Walt Whitman’s poem of the same name. Mertens has truly captured Whitman’s spirit and nuance with this idyllic work. The piece is divided into three sections, with the main theme making up the bulk of the material. It is at times reminiscent of Aaron Copland, Johannes Brahms, and even Eric Ewazen. The vibraphone part soars over the top and is brilliantly voiced to both sit above the texture as well as blend within it. The solo vibraphone part is technically difficult but very playable by most competent players. A player who has a good grasp of basic four-mallet, dampening, and pedaling techniques will have success.
   
   Because it is so lyrical, a good sense of musical phrasing is paramount. The player should understand when to push and when to pull both with the dynamics and tempo. I highly recommend “Song of the Open Road” for anyone who is looking for a stunning work for solo vibraphone with accompaniment. It strikes the perfect balance for depth and challenge for the player as well as accessibility for the audience.
   
   Joe Millea
   Percussive Notes
   Vol. 59, No. 2, April 2021 Joe Millea on Jun 16th 2022