PLEASE NOTE: This purchase is for a downloadable PDF copy of the piece. You will NOT receive a hard copy shipped to your address. Hard copy from Edition Svitzer available soon!
Consider purchasing the full SIMPLE SOLOS VOL. 2 [ FEELINGS ] collection as a set of four works and get 20% off!
Watch the video of me playing Cheerful first:
Cheerful is the second work of SIMPLE SOLOS VOL. 2 [ FEELINGS ], a collection of four simple two-mallet miniatures which represent common feelings of longing, happiness and reflection within yourself. I wrote the SIMPLE SOLOS series to not only give developing students a chance to play interesting pieces that help build their technique and musicality, but also to challenge myself to make complex music while deliberately placing limits on what techniques I am allowed to use.
[ FEELINGS ] solos all use only two mallets and a 3 octave range, but although they are beginner-friendly in nature, they can be made to suit any level of performer through interpretation and phrasing. As they all share a similar underlying style, the four works from SIMPLE SOLOS VOL. 2 [ FEELINGS ] can be performed as standalone pieces, or all four works together in order (Wistful, Cheerful, Peaceful, Grateful) as one continuous multi-movement work.
Cheerful is a representation of the feeling of joy and laughter, such as spending time with your favourite people, doing something you enjoy or feeling optimistic about something. Its upbeat nature gives a feeling of warmth and energy, with the clear melody and accompaniment making for a surprisingly broad texture despite being a two-mallet work.
Cheerful is a solo that can be used for both developing students' technical coordination as well as a simple melodic interlude in a typical recital program consisting of more advanced pieces. The key technique used in Cheerful is coordinating two simultaneous parts played by a single mallet each, with a clear melody and accompaniment line. This can be more difficult with two mallets, as the parts often move around in different directions.
Cheerful will allow you as the performer to not only further your coordination and sense of voice, but also give you a template to bring out your own melodic interpretation that represents you best.
Cheerful requires a 3.0 octave or higher marimba and must be played with two mallets only. You will receive one (1) PDF file with the full score.
Cheerful, for solo marimba (3.0 octave - two mallets)
Two-mallet marimba solo (3.0 octave)