21 for Viola, Marimba & Electronics by Andy Akiho

Description“21” was written for Mariel Roberts in October 2008 and premiered in Rochester, NY on December 14, 2008.The title “21” refers to the twenty-first measure of the Fugue movement in J.S.Bach’s Violin Sonata #1 in G minor. The harmonic chords in this bar are the inspiration of the sequence of notes for “21”.The goal with the piece is to incorporate techniques and phrases that offer a unique contemporary sound world rooted in traditional Trinidadian Soca rhythms.The viola part requires the performer to play a kick drum and operate a loop pedal while simultaneously playing the viola. The percussion part requires the performer to play a tambourine with the foot pedal in addition to marimba/steel pan.