Sixtrum Percussion Delivers Captivating performances at New York’s Time:Spans Festival
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New York city audiences experienced a compelling blend of sonic innovation and precision as Montreal’s Sixtrum Percussion ensemble presented two concerts at the Time:Spans festival, a celebrated late-summer event on the city’s cultural calendar.The performances, held recently, highlighted the versatility of the marimba through a program of Canadian and American compositions.
A Contrasting Program of Contemporary Works
the ensemble’s initial concert featured a more experimental approach, with an array of percussion instruments and even bowls of water incorporated into the performance. Saturday’s concert, however, presented a striking contrast, focusing on the nuanced capabilities of the marimba itself and the distinct voices of featured composers.
Higdon’s Ebullient “Splendid Wood”
The evening commenced with Jennifer Higdon’s 2006 composition, Splendid Wood, scored for three four-hand marimbas. Higdon, a Pulitzer Prize and three-time Grammy Award winner, describes her compositional process as “intuitive,” drawing inspiration from pop and folk music [[1]]. The piece, characterized by its energetic melodies and unified lines, served as an inviting introduction to the evening’s musical landscape.
Did You Know? Jennifer Higdon’s work frequently enough blends classical structures with accessible melodic ideas, making her compositions popular with both audiences and critics.
Champagne’s Tense “Where from choc”
Sixtrum then transitioned to Éric Champagne’s 2020 (revised in 2022) work, Where from choc, performed on six marimbas arranged in two rows. This piece built tension through layered dissonance, employing brushes and bows to create textural complexity.While the marimba’s inherent timbre remained central, Champagne’s composition explored its potential for extended techniques.
Nobles’ Unexpected Highlight: “Still Life”
Jordan Nobles’ Still Life emerged as a standout moment of the evening. The ensemble strategically left two central instruments silent, creating a compelling stereo effect. The piece, originally composed for choir in 2006 and later adapted for marimba ensemble, unfolded through rapid repetitions and subtle modulations, culminating in a hypnotic, almost drone-like texture.
Exploring Global Influences
The program continued with a 1934 arrangement of balinese ceremonial music by Colin McPhee, originally writen for two pianos. Fabrice Marandola, a member of Sixtrum, skillfully adapted the work for the ensemble, offering a playful and engaging prelude to the evening’s centerpiece.
Reich’s Rhythmic Masterpiece: “Six Marimbas”
The concert culminated in a performance of Steve Reich’s 1996 composition, Six Marimbas, an adaptation of his earlier 1973 work, Six Pianos. reich’s piece, inspired by the vibrant energy of New York City, unfolded as a complex tapestry of interlocking rhythms and shifting patterns.The ensemble’s precise execution captured the piece’s hypnotic quality, evoking the feeling of urban life in motion.
Pro Tip: Reich’s phasing technique,where identical musical patterns are played at slightly different tempos,creates a mesmerizing effect that is central to the impact of “Six Marimbas.”
watching Sixtrum perform was akin to observing rush hour from above-a busy, meticulous, and captivating spectacle. the ensemble’s finesse was on full display, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the intricate layers of Reich’s composition.
| Composer | Work | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Higdon | Splendid Wood | 2006 |
| Éric Champagne | Where from choc | 2020 (rev. 2022) |
| Jordan Nobles | Still life | 2006/2006 (revised) |
| Colin McPhee | balinese Ceremonial Music | 1934 |
| Steve Reich | Six Marimbas | 1996 |
What aspects of contemporary percussion music do you find most engaging? How do composers effectively utilize the unique sonic qualities of instruments like the marimba?
The Time:spans festival has become a vital platform for showcasing innovative contemporary music in New York City. The festival’s commitment to presenting diverse and challenging works has established it as a key destination for both performers and audiences. Percussion ensembles like Sixtrum are at the forefront of expanding the boundaries of contemporary music, exploring new techniques and sonic possibilities. The increasing popularity of marimba-focused repertoire reflects a growing thankfulness for the instrument’s versatility and expressive potential.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sixtrum Percussion
- What is Sixtrum Percussion known for? Sixtrum Percussion is a Montreal-based ensemble renowned for its dynamic performances of contemporary percussion music.
- What is the Time:Spans festival? The Time:Spans festival is an annual event in New york City dedicated to showcasing innovative contemporary music.
- Who is Jennifer Higdon? Jennifer Higdon is a Pulitzer Prize-winning and Grammy Award-winning American composer known for her accessible and melodic works.
- What is Steve Reich’s “Six Marimbas” about? “Six Marimbas” is a rhythmic masterpiece inspired by the energy of New York City, characterized by interlocking patterns and shifting textures.
- why is the marimba a versatile instrument? The marimba’s wide range, resonant tone, and capacity for both melodic and percussive techniques make it a remarkably versatile instrument.
