Constellations II

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Description +
- “Constellations II” is conceived as a response to my marimba solo “Constellations I”. While slightly different in character and atmosphere, this piece’s work progress also originated with the same search for sounds and effects. I decided to switch from the initial “set-up” approach (incorporating percussive corpus sounds) to a more “tonally picturesque” concept, searching rather for new mixtures and soundscapes, dealing more instrument-specifically with tone length and the acoustic phenomenon of “beat waves”: by using harmonics and bendings, the performer will at some points produce the same tone simultaneously on a different plate. The resulting microtonal tensions create a suspenseful atmosphere and give the piece its “mystical” character.
  
  Like CI, this work includes serial concepts, both tonally and rhythmically, but also adapted to sound. Dead strokes, half-dead strokes, harmonics, open strokes, bendings, bowings and the use of different mallets are integrated into melodies and patterns, creating a polyrhythmic overall impression, similar to my old work. Some reprises connect CII even further with the first part. Nevertheless, this piece is composed to function as a stand alone version. Performing both parts together in a concert is completely optional. Furthermore, you can decide which model of vibraphone you would like to use, depending on the range of your instrument. If you decide in favour of one version, you can still quickly adapt to the other, very similar version later on.
Instrumentation +
- Requirements
  
  Vibraphone (c or f)
  4 medium-hard mallets
  1 hard rubber/poly/plastic mallet with Ratan handle
  1 bow
  1 percussion table
  1 bow suspension (optional)
About the composer +
- Maximilian Wolfgang Schwarz (*1997 in Vienna) is one of the most versatile percussionists of his generation. The multi-award-winning multi-percussionist and drummer has been performing on major international stages for many years, either as a soloist or as a guest with renowned ensembles such as Elbtonal Percussion or the CBPercussion Group at spectacular festivals and projects. In addition to selected works of contemporary classical music, his constantly growing solo repertoire primarily includes his own compositions. Max Schwarz cultivates a hybrid compositional style consisting of classical compositional approaches from different eras and cultures, his own serial concepts and electronic production. His avant-garde pieces are published by Edition Svitzer (Copenhagen); he also regularly produces for television, film and theatre.
  
  As part of the jury of the ‘Stellar Composition Competition’ (2nd prize for Constellations I), percussion luminary Dame Evelyn Glennie praised the piece with the following words: ‘It's the best piece I have ever come across that explores sound effects on the marimba in a really musical way. It is the essence of the piece rather than an ‘addition’. Maximilian is absolutely superb and the video work is really well done.’
  
  As a drummer, he fuses driving grooves, elements from world music and complex polyrhythms with live electronics. With this characteristic style, he is part of the world music/electronica trio maTrigal. Max Schwarz is currently studying classical percussion with Prof. Alexej Gerassimez at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich in the postgraduate programme ‘Excellence in Performance’. In 2023/2024 he toured Germany, Austria, Italy, France and Spain.
Credits +
- Front Cover graphics and layout: Renate Lutter
  Photo: Reiner Nicklas
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com

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