related works
Syntaxis II : voor symphonieorkest / Ton de Leeuw
Genre:
Orchestra
Subgenre:
Orchestra
Scoring:
3fl fl(pic) 4ob 4cl 4rfg 4h 4trp 4trb tb 3perc hp pf(cel) str
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Percussion
Scoring:
6perc
Red Bells of Joan Miró : for percussion ensemble / Maxim Shalygin
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Percussion
Scoring:
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Urban Turban : Version for two marimbas / Ned McGowan
Genre:
Chamber music
Subgenre:
Percussion
Scoring:
2mar
composition
Midare : for marimba, (1972) / Ton de Leeuw
Other authors:
Leeuw, Ton de
(Composer)
Description:
Program note (English): A strange encounter. One day I received a letter from Japan. Michiko Takahashi, a marimba player, unknown to me, asked me to write something for her instrument. I could not make up my mind so soon. To have some breathing space, I asked her to send me a tape of her recordings. This would surely give me ideas. A tape came straight back. The result was staggering. I could write anything I wanted. Michiko Takahashi would certainly be able to play it. This dimension attracted me. Thus "Midare" came to mind, Japanese word for "free, unorthodox piece". The composition has hardly any other connection with Japanese music.
"Midare" is a résumé of all kinds of virtuoso marimba playing, both possible and almost impossible. All kinds of playing techniques, using several sticks together, in rapid action, make its performance a veritably acrobatic act. The composition was ready very quickly, and I immediately sent the score to Tokyo.
A few months silence followed. I began to fear that it could not be performed. Then a laconic note: she is coming to The Netherlands to rehearse! "I'm fond of "Midare" very much. I will try to play with some new methods and new style of sticks. I shall stay in Holland for three days. During these days I would like to obtain your advice".
We worked for three days until the last small technical problems were solved. Michiko returned to Japan satisfied. A few months later, the International Gaudeamus Competition for Performers of Contemporary Music was held at Rotterdam in 1973, which was actually the goal of her efforts. After a brilliant performance, Michiko Takahashi won the first prize. The jury was unanimous, the public breathless and all the composer's wishes were fulfilled. - TON DE LEEUW