Grzegorz Marciniak – Melodica Duets 5-9
1. No. 5 (9:37)
2. No. 6 (5:55)
3. No. 7 (7:47)
4. No. 8 (6:56)
5. No. 9 (6:14)
· Grzegorz Marciniak: melodicas
All music composed and performed by Grzegorz Marciniak
Recorded by Grzegorz Marciniak in Brussels, Belgium on 17-21/7/2023
Sleeve notes and scores by Grzegorz Marciniak
Mixed and mastered by Assaf Gidron
Graphic design by László Szakács
Produced by László Juhász
Special thanks to Tilen Lebar
Melodica Duets 5-9 is a set of pieces written for two melodicas. These works are a direct continuation from Melodica Duets 1-4; they follow straightforward forms and play with different textures and techniques idiomatic to the instrument. Every duet is composed as an independent unit that can fit with a larger form.
Consistency and a sense of continuity with the previous set were key factors when composing Melodica Duets 5-9. Given that each Duet can be performed either as a whole, in fragments, or in loops, performers can choose which Duets to play and in which order to play them (including Duets from the previous set). Optionally, any Duet can be performed with a pre-recorded material. Depending on the size of a space, these Duets can be performed acoustically or with a sound system.
It is worth noting that only sounds produced by acoustic instruments are used in these works. No delays, reverb, or other electronic effects are applied. The illusion of using delays in No. 6, 7 and 9 results from the juxtaposition of two takes of the same material recorded on two different melodicas. Moreover, these two melodicas are not in perfect tune hence the tuning imperfections through the entire set.
Melodica Duets 5-9 were completed in June 2023.
Grzegorz Marciniak
August 2023
Released: November 2023 / first edition of 300 cds
Direct purchase: Bandcamp / Discogs
REVIEWS ↓
“I believe I missed out on Melodica Duets 1-4 by Grzegorz Marciniak, but now he follows with five more duets for this instrument, and he plays both parts. ‘Each Duet can be performed either as a whole, in fragments, or in loops, performers can choose which Duets to play and in which order to play them (including Duets from the previous set). Optionally, any Duet can be performed with a pre-recorded material. Depending on the size of a space, these Duets can be performed acoustically or with a sound system.’ I am unsure what that means, but as I am playing these pieces I am thinking of ripping all of them, and putting them in a multi-track DAW and see how that works, as I enjoy the minimalism of these pieces. Each has a slowly developping pace, which works very well. I assume he plays both melodica’s in each piece, and as in all great minimal music there are slow shifts between both parts, creating excellent sonic illusions, of left/right, of changing pitches (or maybe they do shift? – I couldn’t tell after a while). Each piece consists of a small bit of melodica, following beyond the attack, silence and then another melodica bit. Sometimes in the higher region, such as in No. 9, but mostly a bit lower. An excellent CD! Tranquil and powerful music.” / Frans de Waard, Vital Weekly, 12 March 2024
RADIO PLAYS ↓