Five on Five by Stephen Primatic is a unique and challenging work for five intermediate players on one 5 octave marimba. The logistics of this piece is a challenge in itself- students must be constantly aware of their space and range so they never interfere with their neighbor on either side.
This piece is broken into three sections and is essentially an ABA' form. The first section is a relentless stream of sixteenth notes that propels the music forward at an almost alarming rate. The middle section is much more lyrical and features an ostinato split between players 4 and 5 while the other three accompany. The last section jumps back into the quick 16th notes that drives the piece all the way to the huge finish.
This is a fun piece for any concert and would be difficult, but manageable, piece for middle school or high school performers.
Instrumentation: 5 Octave Marimba
Duration: 4:30
Difficulty: Medium +
