“Caleidoscópio“ by Gene Koshinski (two-mallet marimba solo)

Performed by Gene Koshinski Audio: Don Schraufnagel and Gene Koshinski Video: Marc Hill MALLETS: Innovative Percussion Artisan Series IP5003R (NJZ mallets in the video are discontinued) GEAR: 5 Octave Adams Alpha Marimba PROGRAM NOTES This piece is one of 10 works in the book “TWO“ by Gene Koshinski, a collection of concert pieces for two-mallet marimba solo with a comprehensive guide to technique and performance practice. “Caleidoscópio“ was inspired by my study of a coordinational independence method called “Ritmica,“ developed by Brazilian conductor Jose Gramani, and a series of courses on the subject taught by Gramani’s protégé Rogerio Boccato. Portions of the “Ritmica“ method focus on the simultaneous performance of unrelated meters and ostinati as well as contradictory melodic material, which is what the bulk of “Caleidoscópio“ is founded upon. The “B“ section of the piece pays homage to the Brazilian roots of the Ritmica method by hinting at a light samba feel and providing more of a melodic focus.