Frightmare (Beethoven)
General Info
Composer: Beethoven
Arranger: Brian Slawson
Year of Published: 2022
Publisher: Tapspace
Difficulty: Elementary
Duration: 00:04:00
Cost: $32.00
Movement
1. Full Moon
2. Shadow Dance
Instrumentation
Player 1: Glockenspiel
Player 2: Xylophone
Player 3: Vibraphone
Player 4: Marimba 1
Player 5: Marimba 2
Player 6: Marimba 3
Player 7: Marimba 4
Player 8: Chimes
Player 9: Timapni
Player 10: Triangle & Temple Blocks & Suspended Cymbal
Player 11: Tam-tam & Flexatone & Goat's hooves
Player 12: Tam-tam & Bass Drum & Vibraslap & Brake Drum
Description
Brian Slawson's Frightmare is based on two classic works by the great Ludwig van Beethoven. Adapted for beginner-level percussion ensemble, the two movements are dark and haunting, yet sharply contrasting. The first, "Full Moon," is eerie, brooding, and gentle. The second, "Shadow Dance," is lively and articulate. Both movements employ simple techniques and appropriate doubling to enable a highly musical performance by beginner percussionists. Where the first movement focuses on rolls and slow strokes, the second switches to a straightforward waltz style. Nearly the entire work consists of quarter notes and dotted half notes, except for a featured marimba part in "Shadow Dance" that takes the lead with eighth notes. Although particularly handy for Halloween concerts, any ensemble of developing players is sure to have fun with this piece year-round!