Three Chorales for Solo Marimba Vol.2: each
Composer: Oetomo Robert
Title: Three Chorales (vol. 2)
Composer: Robert Oetomo
Instrument: marimba
Genre: classical
Year of publication: 2013
Duration:10 min.
Review (Percussive Notes, May 2014)
Australian percussionist Robert Oetomo’s Three Chorales, volume 2 captivates the mature four-mallet marimbist and listener alike through three tonal chorale settings for marimba. “Chorale Fantasy” is a 50-measure, A-major chorale with an indicated tempo of 68 bpm. This chorale explores the lowest register of the five-octave marimba with beautifully schemed harmonic substitutions that enhance and stabilize the overall A-major phraseology (although the final chord contains an added harmonic second). This chorale is dedicated to the memory of the composer’s grandfather, and you can sense the dignified pathos associated with his memory.
The second chorale, “Lasciato,” is in G major with an opening and ending in the lowest register of the marimba and a middle section that is higher in its tessitura. Smooth rolls are a necessity to communicate the intent of this chorale, whose title is translated as “relinquishment.” It is also full of introspective harmonic beauty.
The third chorale, “Nimrod,” is based upon Edward Elgar’s famous theme from his “Enigma Variations for Orchestra.” This 42-measure chorale in E-flat major captures Elgar’s dignified lyricism.
Any one of these chorales would be a superb addition to the mature percussionist’s recital.
—Jim Lambert
Three Chorales (vol. 2)
Unlike the first collection of chorales, this volume was composed within only one year. The third chorale is an arrangement of Elgar’s Nimrod from Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma) for Orchestra, Op. 36. The progressions to the second volume include technical challenges such as wide intervals in both hands and wider reach between left and right hands. Musical challenges encompass longer phrases and highlighting the moving voices in the inner parts.
Chorale Fantasy was written shortly after my Grandad’s passing in July 2012. Composing this chorale was a way to express my grief and also to celebrate his life. Different to my other chorales, most of the harmonic changes occur due to the movements of the inner voices, therefore be aware of bring these out.
Chorale Fantasy is dedicated to my beloved Opa with great affection.
Lasciato is an Italian word to describe the feeling of relinquishment. Having similar intentions as Chorale Fantasy, Lasciato was composed to express one’s sorrow after abandonment. Three different themes are used in this chorale to explore the different colours of the 5-octave marimba in the low to middle registers.
Elgar’s Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma) for Orchestra, Op. 36 is amongst one of my favourite orchestral works. My love for the well-known movement Nimrod led me to arrange it for solo marimba because both the instrument and this piece emit a great mellowness and warmth.
All notes (except for notes with accent in Nimrod) are to be rolled with soft mallets.
Robert Oetomo
Credits
Front Cover graphics and layout: Evi O. (www.evi-o.com)
Photo: Hari Oetomo
Engraving: Robert Oetomo & Johan Svitzer
Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
Copyright © Edition SVITZER
