Riptide

Patrick Speranza

11 Players

Medium Concert Percussion

Instrumentation: 

• Glockenspiel
• 2 Vibraphones
• 3 Marimbas — (3) all low A
• 4 Timpani
• Drums — concert bass drum, 4 concert toms, snare drum
• Cymbals and gongs — China cymbal, hi-hat, ride cymbal, splash cymbal, suspended cymbal
• Accessories — brake drum, finger cymbals, 5 temple blocks, triangle, wind chimes

The ocean has always been a tantalizing blend of beauty, power, and danger — timeless in its allure and ever-changing in its moods. Riptide by Patrick Speranza captures this essence, weaving a tale that oscillates between tranquility and tempest.

At the heart of the piece is a marimba soloist with decent command of four-mallet technique. The soloist begins with a lyrical chorale that paints serene shorelines and gentle tides. This soon takes a darker turn with an ostinato in 7/8 that bubbles up from the depths from the rest of the ensemble, and off we go. Rocking, half-time 4/4 grooves provide contrast and head-bobbing.

Modern, accessible, and energetic, the piece stands as both a challenge for performers and a treat for audiences. Embrace the flow and exhilarating pull of the Riptide!

Riptide ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.