March 104

Description

The March 104 is another work in a series, suggested to me by University of Houston conductor Eddie Green, that offers contemporary techniques and an extended percussion section to young players. The march was “inspired” by the Prokofiev March Op. 99, and is based on a somewhat distorted version of the cat’s theme from Peter and the Wolf. The work opens with a slow introduction that is mysterious in character. With an expanding dissonant chord the tempo changes to a quarter note equaling 104. Like the Prokofiev march the trumpet is featured in the first section; however, with a percussion ensemble accompaniment rather than the full band. The second “strain” (the march does follow traditional form) is improvisational in all parts except the percussion and a somewhat typical Karl King type countermelody in the tenor sax, baritone, bassoon and one of the two bell parts. The trio has an alarming introduction played on three different pitched whistles. There is a brief reference to the opening melodic material followed by a “sonic boom.” The band “marches” off into the “sunset” with a final statement in the trumpet from Prokofiev.

There are two percussion instruments that may need some explanation. They are the “Ives board” and the marching machine. The music of Charles Ives often calls for the pianist to use his forearm on the keyboard. Some performers have used a board for this rather than their arm. It is known as an “Ives board” and all it consists of is a 2 x 4 that is between 18 and 24 inches long covered with a cloth. It is placed over the keys (in this march the lower range) and pushed down, creating a massive tone cluster. The marching machine, due to works by Morton Gould or one of my teachers Fisher Tull, may be more familiar. It is a wooden frame with rows of pegs (about 2 inches in length) that is played on a flat board (placed over a trash can gives it more resonance) using a rocking motion – so the pegs hit the board in an uneven motion.

Published by: RBC Publications