Feminine Fusion

S5-34: Sticks and Stones, Part 2

by Diane Jones

April 24, 2021

Percussionist Evelyn Glennie

“Percussion is the most adaptable family of instruments.  The biggest challenge is to project percussion in a lyrical way.”  – Evelyn Glennie.

A singer always has their instrument with them.  A cellist, a flutist, they carry a bit more – one, or perhaps several, instruments, music, music stand, and accessories like rosin, or cleaning cloths.  But a percussionist – well, let’s just say, most of them drive a van.  Drums, sticks, shakers, woodblocks, marimbas, vibraphones, stands for their music and all of their instruments.  Not to mention the unusual instruments they are asked to play – water gongs, rainsticks, flower pots, brake drums, sticks and stones.  The women on today’s program have had to master them all.

“Sticks and Stones, Part 2”

Oriol Cruixent:  Marimba Moshka
Vivi Vassileva, marimba
“Singin’ Rhythm”
Alpha 463

Peter Hatch:  When Do They is Not the Same as Why Do They
Beverley Johnston, percussion
“Alternate Currents”
Centrediscs 4592

Dave Maric:  Sense & Innocence
Lynn Vartan, percussion
“Dancing on the Head of a Pin”
Delos 3451

Anders Koppel:  Concerto No. 2 for Marimba & Orchestra
Marianna Bednarska, marimba
Aalborg Symphony Orchestra; Henrik Vagn Christensen, conductor
“Anders Koppel: Marimba Concertos”
DaCapo 6220595

Ned Rorem:  Mallet Concerto (excerpt)
Evelyn Glennie, vibraphone & marimba
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong; Jean Thorel, conductor
“Concertos for Mallet Instruments”
Naxos 8.574218

Vassilena Serafimova:  Miroirs
Vassilena Serafimova, marimba
Thomas Enhco, piano
“Bach Mirror”
Masterworks 19439837782

Run time:  58:29

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music.  Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire.  Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.