1 - Songlike [0'02"]
2 - Canon [1'25"]
3 - Perpetuum mobile [3'00"]
4 - Plain Chant [4'56"]
5 - Tarantella [6'16"]
6 - Glissandi [7'16]
7 - Polythythms [8'30"]
8 - Octaves [10'20"]
9 - Ninths [11'40"]
10 - Tenths [12'48"]
11 - Ostinato [15'10"]
12 - Passamezzo Antico [16'11"]
PROGRAM NOTE
"Kalimba Etudes" is a captivating exploration of the kalimba, a thumb piano renowned for its gentle resonance and melodic potential. Composed in 2021, this collection of twelve etudes serves as a tribute to the versatility and expressiveness of the instrument. Dedicated to the esteemed percussionist Robert Armengol, these etudes offer a comprehensive journey through various techniques, textures, and rhythms, pushing the boundaries of what the kalimba can achieve.
Songlike [0'02"]: The opening etude introduces listeners to the kalimba's lyrical capabilities, weaving a delicate melody that evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
Canon [1'25"]: Building upon the traditional canon form, this etude showcases the kalimba's ability to create intricate layers of sound, as melodies intertwine and echo in harmonious unity.
Perpetuum Mobile [3'00"]: With relentless energy and momentum, this etude explores the kalimba's rhythmic potential, featuring cascading patterns and perpetual motion that captivate the listener's ear.
Plain Chant [4'56"]: Reflecting the simplicity and purity of medieval plainsong, this etude focuses on the kalimba's resonant tones, allowing each note to ring out with clarity and reverence.
Tarantella [6'16"]: Inspired by the lively Italian folk dance, this etude is a whirlwind of rhythm and melody, demonstrating the kalimba's agility and agility in navigating rapid passages with precision and flair.
Glissandi [7'16"]: Expanding the kalimba's sonic palette, this etude explores the art of glissando, as cascading slides and sweeps create a mesmerizing effect reminiscent of flowing water or shimmering light.
Polyrhythms [8'30"]: Pushing the boundaries of rhythm, this etude introduces complex polyrhythmic patterns, challenging the performer to maintain multiple layers of rhythm simultaneously, showcasing the kalimba's versatility and dexterity.
Octaves [10'20"]: Focusing on the kalimba's rich harmonic potential, this etude explores the sonorous depths of the instrument, as melodies resonate across multiple octaves, creating a lush and expansive soundscape.
Ninths [11'40"]: Delving into the realm of extended harmonies, this etude explores the haunting beauty of ninths, as dissonance and resolution intertwine to create a sense of tension and release.
Tenths [12'48"]: Continuing the exploration of extended intervals, this etude highlights the kalimba's ability to produce wide-ranging intervals, as tenths ring out with clarity and resonance, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.
Ostinato [15'10"]: Grounded in a repeating rhythmic motif, this etude explores the concept of ostinato, as patterns cycle and evolve, creating a hypnotic and mesmerizing effect that draws the listener into its rhythmic pulse.
Passamezzo Antico [16'11"]: Drawing inspiration from Renaissance dance forms, this concluding etude pays homage to the past while embracing the kalimba's modern potential, as intricate melodies intertwine with a sense of grace and elegance.
"Kalimba Etudes" offers a captivating journey through the kaleidoscopic world of the kalimba, inviting listeners to explore its rich timbres, textures, and expressive possibilities. From delicate melodies to intricate rhythms, this collection celebrates the instrument's versatility and showcases its potential as a solo performer.
"Kalimba Etudes" is a captivating exploration of the kalimba, a thumb piano renowned for its gentle resonance and melodic potential. Composed in 2021, this collection of twelve etudes serves as a tribute to the versatility and expressiveness of the instrument. Dedicated to the esteemed percussionist Robert Armengol, these etudes offer a comprehensive journey through various techniques, textures, and rhythms, pushing the boundaries of what the kalimba can achieve.
Songlike [0'02"]: The opening etude introduces listeners to the kalimba's lyrical capabilities, weaving a delicate melody that evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
Canon [1'25"]: Building upon the traditional canon form, this etude showcases the kalimba's ability to create intricate layers of sound, as melodies intertwine and echo in harmonious unity.
Perpetuum Mobile [3'00"]: With relentless energy and momentum, this etude explores the kalimba's rhythmic potential, featuring cascading patterns and perpetual motion that captivate the listener's ear.
Plain Chant [4'56"]: Reflecting the simplicity and purity of medieval plainsong, this etude focuses on the kalimba's resonant tones, allowing each note to ring out with clarity and reverence.
Tarantella [6'16"]: Inspired by the lively Italian folk dance, this etude is a whirlwind of rhythm and melody, demonstrating the kalimba's agility and agility in navigating rapid passages with precision and flair.
Glissandi [7'16"]: Expanding the kalimba's sonic palette, this etude explores the art of glissando, as cascading slides and sweeps create a mesmerizing effect reminiscent of flowing water or shimmering light.
Polyrhythms [8'30"]: Pushing the boundaries of rhythm, this etude introduces complex polyrhythmic patterns, challenging the performer to maintain multiple layers of rhythm simultaneously, showcasing the kalimba's versatility and dexterity.
Octaves [10'20"]: Focusing on the kalimba's rich harmonic potential, this etude explores the sonorous depths of the instrument, as melodies resonate across multiple octaves, creating a lush and expansive soundscape.
Ninths [11'40"]: Delving into the realm of extended harmonies, this etude explores the haunting beauty of ninths, as dissonance and resolution intertwine to create a sense of tension and release.
Tenths [12'48"]: Continuing the exploration of extended intervals, this etude highlights the kalimba's ability to produce wide-ranging intervals, as tenths ring out with clarity and resonance, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.
Ostinato [15'10"]: Grounded in a repeating rhythmic motif, this etude explores the concept of ostinato, as patterns cycle and evolve, creating a hypnotic and mesmerizing effect that draws the listener into its rhythmic pulse.
Passamezzo Antico [16'11"]: Drawing inspiration from Renaissance dance forms, this concluding etude pays homage to the past while embracing the kalimba's modern potential, as intricate melodies intertwine with a sense of grace and elegance.
"Kalimba Etudes" offers a captivating journey through the kaleidoscopic world of the kalimba, inviting listeners to explore its rich timbres, textures, and expressive possibilities. From delicate melodies to intricate rhythms, this collection celebrates the instrument's versatility and showcases its potential as a solo performer.