Graduation Recital by Mari Yoshinaga
A graduation recital by percussionist Mari Yoshinaga. Mari is a native of Kagoshima, Japan, and studied at Curtis with Don Liuzzi and Robert Van Sice.
Her program:
Iannis Xenakis: Rebonds
Mari Yoshinaga, percussion
The Greek composer Iannis Xenakis lived from 1922 to 2001. He came to the music world from an early career in engineering and mathematics, which made him a true polymath (pun very much intended). Xenakis wrote Rebonds from 1987 to 1989 for the percussionist Sylvio Gualda. Here is what the composer has to say about this solo work:
"Rebonds is in two parts, a and b. The order of play is not fixed: either ab or ba, without a break. The metronomic indications are approximate. Part a only uses skins: two bongos, three tom-toms, two bass drums. Part b uses two bongos, one tumba, one tom-tom, bass drums, and a set of five wood blocks. The tuning of the skins and the wood blocks should extend over a very wide range."
Bach: Suite No. 5 in C minor for Violoncello, BWV 1011
Mari Yoshinaga, marimba
As an indication of the importance of Bach's solo cello suites in the world of music, check out the other instruments for which the six suites have been transcribed: violin, viola, double bass, viola da gamba, mandolin, piano, classical guitar, recorder, electric bass, horn, saxophone, bass clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, ukulele, and charango.
William Kraft: Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra
(arranged by Zita Carno)
Mari Yoshinaga, timpani; Amy Jiaqi Yang, piano
William Kraft was the longtime principal timpanist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and also served as that ensemble's composer in residence from 1981 to 1985. As one of America's leading timpani virtuosos, Kraft explores every aspect of that instrument's range, which in this case, includes five drums.
Online Extra:
Curtis Institute faculty member Robert Van Sice talks about Mari Yoshinaga, and discusses the difference between xylophone, vibraphone and marimba.
