Holiday Bolero for Keyboard Percussion Percussion Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.935380

Holiday Bolero for keyboard percussion                          arr. by Dan Heslink 

This arrangement is available in two versions, a quintet for xylophone and four marimbas, and a percussion ensemble octet for orchestra bells, vibes, 3 marimbas, snare drum, timpani and multiple percussion. These comments refer to the mallet quintet arrangement.

While the term "Bolero" can be applied to a variety of slow-tempo Latin dances, for most orchestral performers the title will evoke the stirring rhythms of Ravel’s famous "Bolero." Similarities include the driving 3/4 bolero rhythm, the building of tension over one long-range crescendo, and the climactic conclusion. The pitch content is based on "O Holy Night," the well-known Christmas carol composed by Adolphe Adam in 1847.

The difficulty level in terms of executing notes and rhythms is medium-easy. At the same time, the dynamic planning and control of the crescendo requires considerable musical judgment.

All of the keyboard parts require only two mallets; some passages unfold as double stops. Mallets for the marimbas should be chosen to maximize the blend of individual parts into a unified chord. There are no key changes, or mallet and hand independence.

 "Holiday Bolero" is sure to be an audience pleaser during a winter concert, especially close to Christmas. It would serve equally well in a percussion recital or a church service. In church this work would be appropriate as special music or as an offertory. Duration is 2:52. The arranger, Dan Heslink, can be contacted at [email protected].