Tanc Szervusz

Taking its inspiration from the Gypsy music of Hungary and from the film music of Bernard Hermann, Tanc Szervusz features two xylophonists showing off amongst a vibraphone, crotales, and marimba quartet.

Program Notes

Tanc Szervusz takes its inspiration from several places. One is the Gypsy music of countries such as Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Armenia. This piece is specifically more Hungarian because it uses the Hungarian scale, which is very clearly played out. This "gypsy" music often features two solo instruments playing in thirds, either violins or clarinets for example. Here xylophones have replaced these instruments. The other major inspiration for this piece comes from the legendary film composer Bernard Hermann and his overture to "North by Northwest." Towards the end of the work more and more glissandi are heard. This intends to replicate the zither, which is often heard in gypsy music.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2013
Number of Players: 5 + 2 soloists
Duration: 5:45
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Solo Xylophone 1
Solo Xylophone 2
Vibraphone
Marimba 1 (4-octave), Glockenspiel
Marimba 2 (5-octave), Crotales (shared)
Marimba 3 (4-octave), Crotales (shared)
Marimba 4 (5-octave) *Playable on two 5-octave Marimbas