"Variations (after Viñao)" by Gene Koshinski (two-mallet marimba solo)

Performed by Gene Koshinski
www.genekoshinski.com
(headphones suggested)
Audio: Don Schraufnagel and Gene Koshinski
Video: Marc Hill
MALLETS: Innovative Percussion CGL3 Cangelosi Signature Series
GEAR: 5 Octave Adams Alpha Marimba
PROGRAM NOTES
This piece is one of 10 works in the book "TWO" by Gene Koshinski, a collection of concert pieces for two-mallet marimba solo with a comprehensive guide to technique and performance practice.
Variations (after Viñao) was inspired by Alejandro Viñao's landmark marimba solo, Khan Variations. The impetus for the creation of Variations (after Viñao) was the need for a two-mallet solo that paralleled the technical and musical demands of the professional four-mallet marimba solo repertoire.
This seven-minute piece is a set of variations on an eight bar theme, each variation focusing on a variety of different musical elements. While none of the musical material was derived from Viñao's work, the compositional techniques employed were inspired by those seen in Khan Variations.
During Variation II of this work, an important motive is introduced, a four-note descending bass line (C#, C, Bb, A). This motive begins to entangle itself with the main theme, acting as a supporting theme, which provides harmony. This supplemental motive/theme goes through variation of its own during the remainder of the piece, while partnering with the primary theme. The work places high technical and musical demands on the performer with many challenges around every corner.

[@bhoenix3213]

I love how it's laid out, it feels like a story. It makes me wish it was like 20 minutes or something, so it could be done like a TV episode or something.

[@bhoenix3213]

To me, it feels like it wants to keep going.

[@themusiciansnerd6257]

The Overtone usage is really cool

[@willsewellmusic]

I’m a huge fan of this! Great work! I might just learn it myself!

[@GraysonPeterman]

I plan on doing this for UIL solo next year

[@richardtuttle4877]

This is dope dude

[@coolkid4906]

It’s like someone is lost but then something keeps popping out in their way. Making that person uneasy and so they have to try to find another direction to go.

[@NateLeeGreat]

Wow

[@robinbodez3823]

Awesome!

[@stefanyfunk2494]

Challenge accepted.

[@user-ek9fy4dg9u]

このマレットなんですか？？

[@HoodKenneth-e1g]

Taylor Patricia Lewis Edward Anderson Daniel

[@spencernolton855]

Physical proof no one ever really NEEDS to use four mallets

[@rorypeters8710]

Spencer Nolton chords?

[@spencernolton855]

Rory Peters Edit: Unless there are 3 notes or more at once 😂 Sorry, my comment was more aimed towards the crowd that uses four mallets to facilitate two mallet pieces or pieces that don’t require it.

[@brianrandall3795]

Yeah but honestly all those huge leaps sorta looked like a huge hassle and a bass mallet could have aided in the resonance of the lows, so like... yes and no.

[@KingstonCzajkowski]

@@spencernolton855 Julie Spencer famously did Stout's Mexican Dances with two mallets. It's really hard though.

[@omrielbaz4600]

what mallets are those?

[@genekoshinskimusic]

Cangelosi Blues