Two-Part Three-Pack

Bach; arr. Brian Slawson

2 Players

Three Medium Bach Inventions for Mallet Duo

Instrumentation: • 2 marimbas—(1) 4-octave, (1) low A

Note: If necessary, the treble clef part (4-octave marimba) may be played on vibraphone.

J.S. Bach’s Two-Part Inventions is a collection of fifteen short keyboard works originally written by Bach as technical exercises for his students. They are contrapuntal pieces—two voices of equal value but independent in contour and rhythm—unlike “vertical” pieces that employ melody and harmony, basslines, etc. Born in the Renaissance period and coming of age during the Baroque, the contrapuntal style of writing served as a launch pad for rounds, canons, and ultimately fugues, this last of which Bach is considered the definitive master.

Brian Slawson has arranged three of these inventions as mallet duets, packaged here for extra value as a “three-pack.” The two-part inventions included here are No. 4 (D minor), No. 8 (F Major), and No. 13 (A minor). They can be performed separately or in succession. Performing duets can be one of the most rewarding settings for mallet players, and these arrangements will surely be a hit with both performers and audiences.

This piece comes as a professionally printed and bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or for tablet viewing.