Cameron Sinclair: Funk Loops [download]

Work for Vibraphone and 3 Marimbas, composed in 1984.

Length: 8 minutes.

Commissioned by: National Festival of Music Students.

“Influenced by the austere minimalist works of Steve Reich and his use of highly syncopated West African rhythms, Funk Loops consists of a series of repeated phrases processed through addictive rhythm, shifting canons and resultant patterns, the musical lines of three marimbas combining to create a composite instrument. The piece opens with stark repeated fifths, firmly establishing the pulse before Marimba 2 begins an ostinato which winds round a minor third. The harmonic scope of the piece is also defined by thirds, the pulsing of Marimba 3 rising as Marimbas 1 and 2 work out their shifting canon. The vibraphone acts as a signal, ringing the harmonic changes and delineating the start of each section, before gradually becoming fully integrated into the musical texture, adapting the material of the marimbas. The final section is a return to the rising thirds of the opening, this time filled out in syncopated block chords, the vibraphone returning to its role of harmonic signal. Funk Loops was written in 1984, first performed at St. John's Smith Square, London and has subsequently been given many performances around the word.”