108 !!Chapter 6
Example 6-8 Piano range.ments, such as the flute or a woodwind section, create a sparkling sound.
Arpeggiated passages and chords are also effectual when used sparsely.
Range:Parts are written in the bass and treble clefs and sound one
octave above where they are written. The celesta is written from C in the
bass clef to C two octaves above the treble clef (see example 6-9).
Example 6-9 Celesta range: staff indicates where the parts are written.Percussive Instruments Played with Mallets
Vibraphone
For many years, the vibraphone (vibes) has been a popular instrument in
jazz. The timbre has also been used extensively in film scores. The vibra-
phone is electric and has metal bars and a pedal that sustains the notes
when depressed; a knob enables the player to adjust the speed of the
vibrato. The notes are configured the same as a piano keyboard.
Normally, the vibraphone is played using two mallets, but parts are
written for three and four mallets. Depending on the sound desired, the
vibraphonist has an option of using hard or soft mallets. When using more
than two mallets, the player requires time to change their configuration,
and this must be taken into consideration when writing parts. If a tempo
is too fast, the performer will not have enough time to arrange the mallets
in the proper position. Vibes parts are often written as a combination with
the piano (e.g., George Shearing).
Range:The vibraphone is a nontransposing instrument. Parts are writ-
ten in the treble clef. It has a range from F, directly below middle C, to F,