toKata

Beschrijving

toKata is a cheerful and virtuosic marimba piece which I have presented in 3 different versions. In its original

4-mallet form it is intended as an ‘encore’ dedicated to international marimba soloist Katarzyna Mycka.

Initially, I only knew her from her wonderful recording of Eckhard Kopetzki and Anders Koppel’s marimba

concertos. The idea of composing an encore for her arose after I heard her play at the Brussels Percussion

Festival, where we were both invited in 2006. Her virtuoso playing during her recital left a lasting impression

on me; in time, that became the source of inspiration for the 4-mallet version of toKata.

In the intervening years, I also became acquainted with the fantastic book ‘TWO’ by Gene Koshinski. His

beautiful music and his plea for the art of 2-mallet performance inspired me to create toKata #2, a 2-mallet

version of toKata dedicated to him. The 3rd version, toKata #2*2, dedicated to both Katarzyna and Gene, is a

duet for 2 players with 2 mallets sharing 1 marimba. As in 4 MOVEMENTS, toKata includes a special notation

system in addition to classical notation, as a way of promoting technical insights and accessibility. Take your

pick or just try them all!

Have fun!