The Modern Marimba: New Works for an Ancient Instrument is a William Moersch solo recording issued by Newport Classic (NPD 85528). Its programme includes works by Jacob Druckman, Andrew Thomas, Irwin Bazelon, Martin Wesley-Smith, and Richard Rodney Bennett.

William Moersch on the recording

My personal inspiration came from Keiko Abe’s first LP (which I discovered in 1973-74), that someone was commissioning Japanese composers to write for the marimba. In addition to immediately writing off to those composers for the music, my other response was that someone need to do that with American composers. Jacob Druckman was the first name that came to mind, but I had no idea how to get the money necessary. During the 1980s, I figured that out and began my own commissioning.

The Modern Marimba was my statement that there now significant works for marimba from composers that I met in New York (and Australia). I also wanted to demonstrate my own approach to the marimba, bringing traditional concepts of sound and phrasing to contemporary music.

Since that time, I have commissioned 122 works for marimba, in a variety of settings – solo, chamber, and concerto. There is now a real body of repertoire for the marimba and it continues to grow.

Indeed, I think we all have a responsibility to contribute to the repertoire, either through composition or commission.

Programme

Jacob Druckman: Reflections on the Nature of Water

  1. I. Crystalline
  2. II. Fleet
  3. III. Tranquil
  4. IV. Gently Swelling
  5. V. Profound
  6. VI. Relentless

Andrew Thomas: Merlin

  1. I. Beyond the Faint Edge of the World
  2. II. Time’s Way

Irwin Bazelon: Suite for Marimba

  1. I. Slow
  2. II. Fast
  3. III. Lively
  4. IV. Slow

Martin Wesley-Smith: For Marimba and Tape

Richard Rodney Bennett: After Syrinx II

The recording can be purchased and downloaded through VAP Media. MusicBrainz identifies the release as a 1991 Newport Classic CD, NPD 85528.

Sources: VAP Media catalogue , MusicBrainz release record