Imagery for Marimba: each
Composer: Shibata Minao
The work is composed of four phrases: A, B, C and D. Phrase A-Begins as a rapid, energetic motif. This initial level of expression may either be continued right through until the end or blunted by a ritardando and diminuendo ending. The duration of the performance is about thirty to forty seconds. Phrase B- A special stick (cluster-mallet) is used in this phrase to play the lower fourteen-line staff which covers the range between C-C4. Each stick has three head balls connected to a single handle by a wire sufficiently long and elastic to allow the head balls to ""bounce"" or ""spring"" up and down. The graphic notation indicates approximate movements only, but, in the right hand, rhythm must be kept stable. The phrase lasts about two minutes. Phrase C-At the beginning of this phrase, there are two ""belts"". The one without shade is to be performed as two single lines, not as a cluster. The shaded one suggests the use of different timbre, although it isn't absolutely necessary. Relative volume and sharpness are expressed by the size of circle. The triangle represents the maximum volume. The black noteheads are played by the head of the stick, and the white ones by the stick handle. This phrase ends by sticking the sticks against each other without touching the keys, as indicated by the white note fragment extending above the staff line. Two dotted belts near the end are played with the handles. The intervals are an approximation between the highest and lowest keys. The average duration is about two minutes and 20 seconds, but this may be significantly extended either way. Phrase D-The pitch is precisely indicated. Groups with srnarer noteheads should be performed as fast and lightly as possible, in contrast to the larger noteheads. The square fermata stands for the longest duration; the circle, less long; the triangle, relatively short. Soft sticks may be used for the latter half. This phrase lasts about two minutes. 'Imagery' was composer during Spetember and October, 1969, on commission from Mrs. Keiko Abe, marimba player, for her recital on November 3, 1969, at the Metropolitan Centre Hall in Tokyo © ONGAKU NO TOMO EDITION
