I am playing Mirage pour Marimba for an audition (undergrad). I know that the music is more important than the mallet selection, but out of curiosity, does anyone have any mallet suggestions for this piece? I am not sure if I should have a really hard mallet, or a softer mallet. The piece seems to require two-tone mallets, but I want to avoid using them.
I like using Encore mallets (regular line, Zeltsman, Mimura), Innovative Percussion mallets (Moersch), and Adams/Firth mallets (Van Sice). From these particular mallets, does anyone have any suggestions from their experiences with this piece? Thanks.
~Behzad

Hello Behzad

I like your taste in repetoire.First the Druckman now Sueyoshi's Mirage, one of my favorites from the old and extremely underplayed Japanese Repetoire. I learned this piece this past semester at Ithaca and it will be on my recital this spring with all six mvts of Druckman.

Overall, i would recommend two tone mallets for this piece. I was really influenced and inspired by Keiko's recording.ifyour concerned about breaking bars, i would recommend med. hard - hard sticks. i would NOT use soft or very soft sticks, that would not do this intriguing piece of music justice.

As far as a specific brand of mallets, that is up to you. As i explained to you in my Druckman post, i don't know what you want to get out of this piece of music. Your interpretation will most likely be different from mine and the other marimbists who have played this piece. EXPERIMENTATION is essential for selecting mallets. Choose the ones that best serve out for vision for conquering this challenging piece.

When you get to the end section, don't become frustrated if your missing notes. the ending is almost impossible and the only one who has even come close to nailing it is Michael Burritt.

To do this on an undergraduate audition is very impressive. Best of Luck.

Sincerely, Lon Stetz

Behzad,

What size hall, acoustic, instrument, etc, etc? Same instrument, same mallet w/ different player = different sound = different music...Also, type/angle/etc of attack...

Best,

P