for
Gene Koshinski and Tim Broscious of the Quey Percussion Duo

by

Ben Wahlund - 1^st Place Winner, 2005

1^st Annual Quey Percussion Duo Composition Contest

In the History of Man… is a multiple percussion (drumset) and marimba duet, written to present traditional percussion performance practices in a contemporary, concert setting. This proves to be challenging at times, but as I have come to see in my life and the lives of others, in the history of man, new ideas are often the most difficult ones to bring to fruition. However, in spite of the many obstacles presented to civilization’s heroes, the catalysts of new ideas are often the ones who bring about the most significant and inspirational change. Musical influences for this piece are found in the work of Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ignacio Berroa, Orlando Cotto, Chucho Valdez, Mario Davidovsky, Leoš Janáček and John McLaughlin.

As one would expect with a drumset/marimba duet, balance is a significant issue. This can be dealt with on the part of both players. In the History of Man… calls upon the marimbist to perform the concert marimba with a more “vernacular” approach – much like that of a jazz vibraphonist performing on marimba. Additionally, the drumset artist must approach his instrument not merely as an extended, traditional four-piece drumset, but instead as a concert multiple percussion setup that happens to be performed while sitting. With this alternative approach to their respective instruments, the performers will find that, even with the sophisticated elements at hand, balanced execution is possible. Also, on account of the bifurcated nature of the marimba writing, the written dynamics are staff specific and not intended for the entire marimba, simply the material on a given staff.