Comments on: Kusanganisa (Flute and Marimba 4-hands)

By: Yale Snyder

Yale Snyder — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 02:42:40 +0000

I had the privilege of playing Kusanganisa a couple of times during graduate school and it was an absolute pleasure to learn and peform. The marimba/flute combination has always been a favorite of mine and getting the opportunity to not only work with a talented flute player but also with one of my percussion colleagues at the same time was an extra treat. There are many pieces for flute/marimba and for flute/percussion but there are very few pieces for two percussion and flute which makes Kusanganisa even more special. The piece is beautifully written and presents musical and timing challenges between the two percussionists alone as well as between the percussionists and the flute. The piece also presents unique technical challenges for the flute. Kusanganisa is very well received by both the educated as well as the uneducated musical audiences. It would be a welcome addition to any graduate or professional percussion or flute recital. I hope to have many more opportunities to perform this piece. Bravo Charles!

By: Ingrid Gordon

Ingrid Gordon — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:37:49 +0000

First and foremost, Charlie is a terrific composer. His piece Kusanganisa is a treat not only for audiences, but performers as well: beautiful, challenging, and drawing on a wide range of influences. And as someone who commissions a large number of works every year, I can also say that Charlie is an absolute pleasure to work with.

By: cesare papetti

cesare papetti — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:13:53 +0000

I was one of the lucky percussionists to work with Charles as he was first reworking the piece for two percussionists and flute. The piece’s mixture of cultures is very clear in the marimba’s imitation of an mbira as well as the extended techniques utilized by the flute. The piece is a great deal of fun to perform and its playful character is a welcome addition to many concerts. Kusanganisa is always well received at our performances.

By: demetrius spaneas

demetrius spaneas — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 07:10:51 +0000

Thank you for adapting this piece for alto saxophone and marimba for Percussia’s performance at the New Directions in Percussion Festival at Cornell this past Spring. The flute version is great; the saxophone version gives a completely different vibe: more raw, which I really like! Needless to say, we’ve presented it many times since around NYC and hope to play it more!