Ensemble Mercury (from "The Planets") Composed by Gustav Holst
Arranged by James Ancona
Instrumentation: 2 Glockenspiels, 2 Xylophones, 2 Vibraphones, 2 Marimbas (low A), 5 Timpani. Small suspended cymbal, 2 Triangles
James Ancona's arrangement of Mercury from Holst's masterpiece"The Planets" re-creates the playful and rhythmic character of the original orchestration in the percussion ensemble setting.
Originally performed in 1996 in Star of Indiana's "Brass Theatre," "Mercury" is a harmonically complex piece yet very listenable at the same time. It requires ten players and relies on clever, integrated scoring to achieve its overall sound. Fun for performers, and accessible to audiences.
