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TSPCE25-027
PROGRAM NOTES
This quick, ninety-second work for percussion ensemble attempts to depict the spirit of the ancient horse race of the same length and name that takes place twice a year in Siena, Italy. It is a full-out sprint with no pause, designed to technically challenge the performer and showcase the extremes of articulation, tempo, and endurance.
—Clif Walker
PLAYERS AND INSTRUMENTATION
Palio di Siena requires 9 players with the following instrumentation:
1. Glockenspiel + snare drum, hi-hat, ride cymbal, castanet machine
2. Chimes + claves
3. Vibraphone 1*
4. Vibraphone 2*
5. Xylophone
6. Marimba 1 (low A)
7. Marimba 2 (5-octave)
8. 4 Timpani (32”, 29”, 26”, 23”) + 5 temple/granite blocks
9. Percussion — 3 woodblocks, splash stack, ride cymbal, bongos, crotales (high octave—may sub low octave if necessary)
*Some vibraphone pedaling/articulation is indicated using slurs and staccatos. Where no specific articulation is provided, pedaling is left to the discretion of the performers/director.
