Tag by David Hext

TAG was written in 2025 for the percussionists of the Hallé Youth Orchestra.

The main technical challenge of the piece is fitting five players behind one marimba. The effect is very impressive though, especially when viewed from above. Three of the performers start in front of the marimba, playing an ostinato groove on un-pitched percussion. Then the pitched ostinato starts on the marimba and develops as it moves up the instrument. The players consequently move up the instrument in tandem whilst staying close to each other, and the music reaches a climax with all five performers playing marimba. The music gradually subsides and we end as we began, with three performers playing the groove in front of the marimba whilst the marimba motifs fade and dissolve.