Lime Juice by Arthur Lipner

Lime Juice is written primarily for a 5-octave marimba but can be adapted to other ranges. Since there is not a universal system for sticking notation due to different grips, L and R are indicated. In some places ‘4’ is used to indicate the leftmost mallet. Dynamics are, for the most part, left to the discretion of the performer.

The many dead strokes are to be utilised for articulation and sound colour. They need not all be even. The performer can vary the intensity and volume and dead strokes to contribute to her/his own interpretation of the music. Harder mallets will yield a more defined dead stroke than softer.

Stick clicks are important contribution to this piece. Play them loudly and confidently. Their rhythm and sound colour will make a huge difference and help to loosen up the mood of the piece. Lime Juice will be more fun to play – and watch – and will sound better! – when the player loosens up his/her body and moves with the beat.

There is also a Percussion Ensemble arrangement of Lime Juice (by Ron Brough) and a Drumline arrangement (Jeff Moore), both in the same key as this solo version. After a player learns this solo version she/he can be featured with these Ensemble playing the Marimba part of those arrangements. Improvisation is not required in any of the three arrangements.

Lime Juice was originally recorded on the Arthur Lipner Jazz cd ‘The Magic Continues’ (1994). The performer is encouraged to check out this band recording to hear the intentions of the composer regarding the phrasing of the main paradiddle-based melody.