Innovative Percussion EAARAU RAUK

Commissioned in 1999 by the Amores Percussion Group, Rauk (the name refers to tall limestone formations found in Gotland, Sweden) is scored for solo vibraphone and three percussionists playing xylophone, crotales and two marimbas. Each percussionist also performs with a setup of cymbal, Japanese gong, four toms and bass drum. Although identical in terms of the type of instruments, each setup is differentiated by pitch. The first percussionist's instruments are high pitched, the second percussion part requires instruments of medium pitch, and the third part stipulates low-pitched instruments. Several features of this work are of interest. One is a lengthy passage that may be unique in percussion ensemble literature. The three percussionists, using their high, medium, and low-pitched setups, must play rhythmically complex, technically challenging parts that are identical in all respects. To do so requires performing in unison, in an extraordinary display of ensemble precision.