Stella Polaris 5 songs for Vibraphone by Daniel Berg

This collection of five short solos is perfect for introducing playing styles and character of upper level vibraphone literature to students that might not be ready to tackle the length and overall difficulty level typically associated with such works. Each solo, which ranges from one to three minutes, focuses on one element of vibraphone performance such as pedaling, dampening, interlocking rhythms, etc. Akin to marimba books of the same vein, such as Quartier’s Image collection, the music is written in a style that serves as a springboard to popular classical vibraphone literature.

Amongst the solos, melodic and harmonic variety is found in the form of steady eighth-note lines, interlocking groovy sixteenth-note passages, and one solo completely void of time and tempo constraints. Berg offers limited explanation on performing these works; however, the simplicity of the music makes performance success achievable. Students and teachers alike will appreciate the depth and accessibility of the music from this accomplished composer.