Berserker

Berserker is an aggressive and heavy work written for advanced solo marimba and accompanied by a supporting ensemble of 5 percussionists. While not directly programmatic, the atmosphere, title, and challenge to the soloist are reflective of Japanese artist Kentaro Miura’s critically acclaimed graphic manga series "Berserk."

Program Notes

Berserker is an aggressive and heavy work written for advanced solo marimba and accompanied by a supporting ensemble of 5 percussionists. While not directly programmatic, the atmosphere, title, and challenge to the soloist are reflective of Japanese artist Kentaro Miura’s critically acclaimed graphic manga series "Berserk."

Berserker was commissioned by Mineola High School in Mineola, TX for their showcase performance at the 2020 Texas Music Educators Association National Convention in San Antonio, TX, featuring marimbist Dr. Brian Zator as the premiere soloist.

Grade Level: Medium Difficult
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Solo Marimba (5-octave)

Percussion 1: Bells, Brake Drum, Bongos
Percussion 2: Vibraphone, Large Suspended Cymbal, Castanets
Percussion 3: Marimba (4.3-octave), Medium Woodblock, Low Tom
Percussion 4: Impact/Kick Drum, 3 Concert Toms, Snare Drum, Bell Tree, Hi-Hat, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 5: Concert Bass Drum, Large Tam-Tam, Large Djembe (mounted), Suspended Cymbal