Contemporary Serbian – Works for Marimba & percussion solo

‘The following collection consists of four pieces for solo marimba and two pieces for multi-percussion (which more or less utilise an extended drum-set). My desire was to try and initiate the creation of new pieces for my instruments by the younger generation of Serbian composers, and to help disseminate their works to performers throughout the world.

This book is a result of the first ever Serbian National Contest for Composers, which I initiated and organised in 2008. The competition was financially supported by the Serbian Ministry of Culture which provided money for the prizes that were awarded. My intention was to encourage younger Serbian composers to apply so the contest was open to composers up to 40 years of age.

I am fully aware, that the pieces in this book are not “groove-based, marimbistic” works, but this was not what we were looking for. I intentionally wanted works composed by composers who are NOT marimba players. Of course I know that some of the composed material here may not utilise the most “comfortable” playing positions and will require some less convenient “stretching” from the performer. Nevertheless, it is my strong belief that our society of percussionists and marimba players is always in need of new, creative and unique works, and it is my hope that music in this book will find it’s performers.’

– Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic – October 2009