Highlife

Philip Faini

General Info

Year: 1990
Duration: c. 5:10
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: CPP/Belwin
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Player I: Claves, Mark tree, cow bell
Player II: Vibraslap, cow bell, maracas
Player III: Woodblock, tom-toms(2)
Player IV: Tom-toms(2)
Player V: Cabasa, tom-toms(2)
Player VI: Tom-toms(2)
Player VII: Cabasa, xylophone
Player VIII: Agogo, marimba (share w/9)
Player IX: Marimba, bongos
Player X: Timpani(4)
Player XI: Marimba (share w/12)
Player XII: Marimba

Program Notes

Those of you who are familiar with Phil Faini's compositions, articles and performances will recognize the fact that Phil is a talented percussionist and composer with a strong dedication to percussion education. CPP/Belwin, Inc. has initiated "Me Phil Faini Percussion Ensemble Series" to promote Faini's compositions and arrangements. Highlife is part of this ensemble series. From the high glass cover to the plastic envelope and audio cassette that accompanies this music, the packaging of Highlife represents the high quality of music inside. It is no surprise that Highlife is influenced by West African music from Ghana. Through his studies in African music, Faini has adapted the theme from a traditional xylophone piece for percussion ensemble. Written for ten performers, the work features standard instruments such as marimbas (2), xylophone, timpani, toms (needs 8), bongos and some percussion toys. Following an introduction, Highlife proceeds through a series of variations on the African theme. The toms state the theme at first over accompanying rhythmic patterns. Then the mallet instruments take over. This proceeds to a development section in 12/ 8 that returns to repetitions of previous variations before the finale. Faini uses timbres and dynamics effectively for contrast and musical drive. None of the individual parts are very difficult and the marimba and xylophone parts are written for two mallets. The dance-like atmosphere of African music is alive in Highlife and this work could be performed by either high school or college ensembles. The cassette tape that features the West Virginia University Percussion Ensemble performing Highlife as well as performance notes by Faini would especially be invaluable to younger ensembles. Highlife will be well received by audiences no matter what level ensemble is performing. - Mark Ford, Fall 1989

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

Afro-Amero - Percussion Octet
Bravura, 3rd Mvt. of Suite for Percussion - Percussion Quintet
Fugue, 2nd Mvt. of Suite for Percussion - Percussion Sextet
Highlife - Percussion Ensemble (12)
Prelude, 1st Mvt. of Suite for Percussion - Percussion Nonet
Suite for Percussion (Faini) - Percussion Sextet