Details
- Instrument:
- Percussion
- Ensembles:
- Percussion Ensemble
- Publishers:
- Tapspace Publications
- Instrumentation:
- 2 marimbas (1) 4-octave, (1) low A 4 timpani Chimes Drums (bongos, 3 concert toms (high, medium, low), snare drum, concert bass drum) Glockenspiel Vibraphone
- Format:
- Set of Parts Score and Parts
- Item types:
- Physical
- Level:
- Beginning
- Usages:
- School and Community
- Shipping Weight:
- 1.82 pounds
SKU: TA.TSPCE22-006
For percussion ensemble and optional audio. Composed by John Herndon. Percussion Ensembles. Score and Parts. Tapspace Publications #TSPCE22-006. Published by Tapspace Publications (TA.TSPCE22-006).Standard Candles by John Herndon is a programmatic ensemble work inspired by a unique type of star. Cepheid variables are stars that illuminate and dim at a regular, known interval. This means they can be used as a standard candle - a means of calculating distances to and between celestial objects. Herndon writes, they are a star with a heartbeat.
The piece follows a ternary form, starting with a slow, mysterious introduction on pitched instruments. Suddenly, the tempo doubles, leading into a driving middle section characterized by tutti rhythms and brief solo moments. All players switch between their original instruments and their own drums. Finally, the piece closes with a recap of the calm opening section.
This work features audio accompaniment for a cinematic feel, but may optionally be performed without the audio following simple tweaks in the score. All parts are written with developing players in mind, featuring quarter/eighth note rhythms throughout, with basic sixteenth note passages for feature moments. Dramatic and well-rounded, this piece is a must-learn for beginner percussion ensembles or methods courses!
Standard Candles ships as a printed, professionally bound score, and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.