for percussion duo (15′) 1997

Savanna was commissioned by the Safri Duo for premier on their British tour in December 1997. The work consists four sections performed as a single movement with gradual transitions between sections. The first section is a quickly flowing texture for two marimbas, in which the two percussionists play somewhat independently of each other. Towards the end of the first section rhythmic details are graudially pulled from this texture, creating a transition to the rhythmic, sharply delineated second section. The unpitched percussion instruments gradually take over in the third section, and the piece closes with a duet for marimbas, cowbells, woodblocks and drums.

Listen to a recording made by Danish Radio featuring the Safri Duo:

 

Score available from http://www.norsk-percussion.no

Download program note as PDF: Savanna