Pentafonia for Percussion and Piano, op. 53b (1974/76)
I. Fantasia
II.
Allegro ritmico 
Version
with strings
III. Notturno
IV. Intermezzo
V. Conclusion
Percussion:
gong (50 cm), vibraphone, cymbals (50-45-40-35 cm), cymbal 45 cm (sizzle) 20 cm
(bell), 2 tom-toms, snare drum, 2 bongos, 5 temple blocks, 2 woodblocks
Hermann Gschwendtner / Gottfried Hefele
Duration: 26 Minutes
Publisher:
N. Simrock Hamburg-London (Boosey & Hawkes) EE 2856 / ISMN: 979-0-2211-0810-4
Video: Works by Hummel on youtube
Press
Percussive Notes, October 1992
This 25:00, 5
movement multipercussion solo with piano accompaniment is arranged by the composer
based on the original version for percussion and string orchestra (available in
rental form only). The piece calls for vibe, snare drum, four pitched drums, five
temple blocks, two wood blocks, six suspended cymbals and tamtam. Movement I (Fantasia)
emphasizes the vibe, cymbals and tamtam, and moves rather slowly with an eight-note
= 84. Allegro ritmico uses the drums and temple blocks, and moves
faster (quarter = 138). Movement III (Notturno) is a slow, more
contemplative movement for vibe. The recurring ametric sections are written without
accompaniment. The Intermezzo is again quicker and utilizes all
of the instruments except tamtam. A rather metric cadenza is included near the
end of the movement. The conclusion again uses all of the instruments,
but now in a more complex, denser texture.
All performance directions are
clearly marked in both parts: dynamics, implement choices and parts, stick-types
plus handslap instruments, tempo changes etc. No unusual performance techniques
are used, although the 3- and 4-mallet vibe parts will take some study as well
as the "on and off" directions for both snare and vibe motor. Implement
changes will also need to be carefully practiced so as to not interrupt the musical
flow. Recommended as a very suitable recital piece for an advancing multipercussion
student with a grasp of 4-mallet vibe techniques.
John Baldwin