“Kaleidoscope was composed for the inspirational flautist Anna Noakes after recording and performing Jolivet’s Piece de Concert for flute and four percussionists. I felt that another piece for similar forces would be ideal for programming performances with these instruments.
The word ‘kaleidoscope’ means ‘observer of beautiful forms’, and this piece consists of six movements, opening with ‘Jumble’ which represents the rather chaotic fragments of colour seen when first looking into a kaleidoscope – all the fragments ‘jumbled up’!
As a kaleidoscope is rotated, the vivid pattern of colours changes, creating another distinctly different image. These changing patterns are represented in this piece by three ‘Revolves’, each with a distinctly different musical mood and style.
The Revolves are interspersed with two romantic interludes, representing the visually exquisite images the Kaleidoscope creates, and these are perfect vehicles for Anna’s ability and love of playing romantically and sensually.” Gary Kettel
Instrumentation:
Flute, Alto Flute and Piccolo
Percussion 1: 2 Bongos, 4 Tom-toms, Darbuka, Medium Temple Block, Splash cymbal
Percussion 2: Hi-hat, Piccolo Snare Drum, Large Deep Tom-tom, Tambourine, ‘Trash Kit’ (Crashers, Tin cans, Tin trays etc), Crotales
Percussion 3: Vibraphone, 3 Suspended Cymbals, Glockenspiel
Percussion 4:Marimba (5 octave), 2 Tam-tams, Bass Drum