Big Country by Fleck arr. Olin Johannessen

Big Country by Béla Fleck, arranged by Olin Johannessen

Introduction

Big Country is a captivating percussion ensemble arrangement of Béla Fleck’s renowned composition, masterfully transcribed by Olin Johannessen. Originally featured on Fleck’s album Left of Cool, this piece encapsulates the essence of Americana through its simple yet evocative melody. Johannessen’s arrangement brings this charm to the percussion ensemble setting, offering performers a unique blend of lyrical expression and rhythmic vitality.

Materials and Build Quality

Published by Tapspace Publications, the score and parts are professionally printed and bound, ensuring durability and clarity for rehearsals and performances. The package includes a full score and individual parts, with a CD-ROM containing printable parts for convenience.

Performance and Use Case

Designed for 8–10 players, Big Country is suitable for medium-advanced percussion ensembles. The arrangement features 4-mallet independent techniques for marimbas and xylophone, transferring Fleck’s original banjo lines into the percussion realm. The inclusion of a rhythm section with drumset and bass guitar drives the two-step feel, while optional parts for soprano saxophone and additional marimbas allow for flexibility in ensemble size. This piece is ideal for concerts, festivals, and educational settings, providing both performers and audiences with an engaging musical experience.

Instrumentation

• Marimba 1 (4.3-octave, low A)
• Marimba 2 (4.6-octave, low E)
• Optional 5-octave Marimba
• 2 Vibraphones
• Xylophone
• Glockenspiel
• Drumset (snare, kick, hi-hat, 2–3 cymbals)
• Bass Guitar
• Shaker
• 3 Triangles (different sizes)
• Optional Soprano Saxophone

Key Features

• Composer: Béla Fleck
• Arranger: Olin Johannessen
• Instrumentation: Percussion Ensemble with Rhythm Section
• Difficulty Level: Medium-Advanced
• Publisher: Tapspace Publications
• Product Code: TSPCE-18
• Duration: Approximately 3 minutes
• Suitable for: Concerts, Festivals, Educational Performances

More Information

• Explore more solo and ensemble music at Southern Percussion
• Visit Tapspace Publications (Official Publisher)

Conclusion

Big Country offers percussion ensembles an opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Americana music through the lens of Béla Fleck’s composition. Johannessen’s arrangement challenges performers with its technical demands while rewarding them with a piece that resonates with audiences, making it a valuable addition to any ensemble’s repertoire.