Vestiges

Eric Rath

Medium Mallet Quartet

4 players

Instrumentation: 2 Vibraphones (w/ bows), 2 Marimbas — (2) low A

Vestiges by Eric Rath is an atonal, minimalist work for four percussionists scored for two vibraphones and two 4.3-octave (low A) marimbas. Composed with hints and flavors of the works of Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and the band Radiohead, Rath has crafted an accessible entry point into minimalist music for intermediate-level players.

The piece employs non-standard techniques such as bowed vibraphone bars, muffled strokes on marimba bars, and even a custom-made marimba technique the composer has called a “thwop.” The keyboards are configured in a square shape, facing inward, and the players are required to move between the instruments as well as occasionally play from the accidentals side.

Vestiges ships as a fully bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.