BACH’S MUSIC BOX
About the Instruments
Tongue Drum
Like many percussion instruments, the tongue drum has some very ancient ancestors, but this version of the instrument is very new. Denis Havlena took inspiration from some similar metal instruments and created what he called a 'hank drum' out of a propane tank in 2007. We loved the resonant quality of this instrument and use it in the variations to give some depth to the bass line. Onstage we are using two different tongue drums, one which was made by a student of Katalin.
Hammered Dulcimer
This particular instrument used today was made by Katalin’s father from a kit. We wanted to incorporate this instrument not only because of its wonderful timbre, but because in many ways it is the closest instrument we have onstage to the harpsichord. The hammers have a leather side and a wooden side to create different attacks. Though technically a percussion instrument, this is not a standard instrument classical percussionists know how to play, so a percussionist would need some extensive practice time to play a part on this instrument.
Tuned Glass Bottles
These instruments are exactly what they sound like. We took some glass bottles and put water in them to tune them to specific pitches.
Handbells
These particular handbells are designed for children. There is a button on the top of the handle that when pressed, activates a beater inside the bell. In this performance, they are not used this way, but layed down and struck with sticks on the side. They are often played in the arrangements with an alto glockenspiel, which we thought gave a very nostalgic playful sound quality very reminiscent of a music box.
Techniques:
Deadstroke
When the player doesn’t allow the mallet to bounce, making a ‘dead’ sound. Usually notated above the note in this way: +
Mallets / stick choice:
Knitting Needles
Knitting needles give a metallic attack sound, though important to note that they are a bit difficult to achieve accuracy with.
Vibraphone - Rubber mallet
Though usually yarn mallets are used on the vibraphone, you can also use rubber mallets to give more attack without damaging the instrument.
Vibraphone - Rattan
Using the shaft of the mallet or the back of the rattan can provide sharp contrast with minimal need for additional sticks.
Glockenspiel - Moleskin
If you would like the stick to have a slightly softer attack, a quick solution is adding some moleskin onto a plastic mallet. Even with our array of stick options sometimes you can’t quite find what you're looking for, so having quick alteration solutions is helpful. This attack on the glockenspiel for example, blends nicely with the vibraphone mallet attack.