Composer: Nigel Westlake
Title: Fabian Theory
Category: Percussion Solo
Instrumentation: Marimba (4.3 octave), 3 tom-toms, digital delay, and looping pedal
Difficulty: Intermediate
Publisher: Rimshot Music
Description:
An electronic delay system is employed throughout the piece, serving to reproduce the ‘live’ signal 566 milliseconds (about half a second ) after it has been played, thereby building a multi-marimba illusion & creating rhythmic counterpoint against the live performance.
The player is requested to play in tight synchronisation with the delayed signal & by moving through a number of tempo changes, different rhythmic effects are achieved.
The use of the delay gives rise to the title, which is a reference to the great Roman dictator, Fabius Maximus who was victorious due to the use of delay tactics in battle.
Fabian Theory was commissioned by Synergy Percussion with financial assistance from the music board of the Australia council.
Annotated by Dan Pessalano