George Tantchev

Asymmetrical Rhythms for Marimba: 5/8, 7/8, 9/8, 11/8 George Tantchev

Ever since Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok usedasymmetrical rhythms in Petrushka, Le Sacre dePrintemps, Concerto for Orchestra and other works, more and more composers have utilized such rhythms. These rhythms give the music tension, diffraction andvarious accent possibilities. The discovery of thevast potential of the marimba in recent decadesfostered the creation of an unprecedented volume of literature written specifically for the instrument. Marimbists are constantly being challengedtechnically and musically by new compositions, whichoften include challenging asymmetrical rhythmiccombinations. A study in asymmetrical rhythms willfill a gap in the marimba and percussion pedagogymaterials. It will facilitate the process of learningand enable a better understanding of the variousaccent possibilities embodied in these rhythms.