Bibliographic information
- Publisher
- G. Schirmer, Inc.
- Catalogue no.
- ED3502 (HL 50337080)
- ISBN
- 9780793555352
Description
Completed in March 1940, this three-movement work is for solo marimba and orchestra and lasts about 15 minutes. (Summary of the source description)
Written by American composer Paul Creston, the Concertino for Marimba and Orchestra, Op.21, is widely recognized as the first concerto for solo marimba and orchestra. The premiere soloist’s interview and performance-history study in Percussive Notes describe this historical position. Its three movements combine rhythmic vitality and lyricism, exploring the marimba’s possibilities as a concerto soloist.
The piece was commissioned by and dedicated to Frederique Petrides, conductor of the Orchestrette Classique. Its original scoring is solo marimba with orchestra; the publisher gives the orchestration as “2111/2000/timp/str”. This denotes solo marimba with 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon, 2 horns, timpani and strings. The catalogue shorthand does not specify the number of string players.
Movements
- I. Vigorous — In 3/4, the orchestra introduces rhythmic and lyrical themes, developed mainly by the solo marimba.
- II. Calm — A flute introduction leads to the marimba’s main theme in four-mallet chords.
- III. Lively — A scherzo and finale in 6/8, built around rhythmic variety.
Premiere
Ruth Stuber (later Ruth Stuber Jeanne) gave the premiere on April 29, 1940, at Carnegie Chamber Music Hall in New York, now Weill Recital Hall , with the Orchestrette Classique conducted by Frederique Petrides. Percussive Notes preserves an interview with the soloist and the original concert programme.
In the soloist’s recollection , the Orchestrette Classique was an all-women chamber orchestra. Petrides wanted to feature each of its members as a soloist. Stuber, who played timpani in the ensemble, proposed the marimba she had with her as an alternative solo instrument, leading Petrides to commission a work for it.
Score
G. Schirmer’s piano reduction (ED3502 / HL 50337080) is a published score for marimba with piano accompaniment. For orchestral materials, consult the hire information on the publisher’s work page .