Arlen/arr. Oetomo Over the Rainbow (ensemble version)

This percussion ensemble arrangement of Harold Arlen’s Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz is based on Oetomo’s solo marimba version (also available from Tapspace). The three accompaniment parts support the soloist as if within a classical concerto setting.

A trio of mallet players accompany the solo marimba part on vibraphones, glockenspiel, and a second marimba, diversifying the texture possibilities and color spectrum. The arrangement contains influences of jazz in its harmonies and quasi-improvisation, as well as classical romantic elements of runs, ornaments, and flourishes. The instrumentation highlights these influences while maintaining the simplicity of the melody and harmony of the original song.

The original song was first recorded in 1938 by Judy Garland. It was then made famous through the acclaimed film, The Wizard of Oz, in 1939.

This arrangement was commissioned by Louis Boldrighini and Manvel High School Percussion Ensemble and premiered at the 2015 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL., USA.

The music is published by Tapspace Publications and is available at http://www.tapspace.com/percussion-en...

Special thanks to Daryl Pratt (Chair of Percussion, Sydney Conservatorium of Music), members from the Sydney Conservatorium Percussion Quartet (Niki Johnson, Jessie Wang and Nancy Zheng), Dan Lidster from Encore Mallets, Inc., Sandy (Ju Hwa) Sin, Hari Oetomo, Ida Harsojo and Ivan Oetomo.

Original composition: Harold Arlen
Arrangement: Robert Oetomo
Performance: Robert Oetomo (soloist) and members of the Sydney Conservatorium Percussion Quartet (Niki Johnson, Jessie Wang and Nancy Zheng)
Audio and video recording: Hospital Hill
Audio recording and video production: Recital Hall East, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Australia

Instruments
• 5.5-octave Marimba One with Premium Keyboard and Classic Resonators marimba (soloist)
• 5-octave Marimba One with Enhanced Keyboard and Basso Bravo Resonators marimba
• Yamaha YV-3910 vibraphone
• Yamaha YV-3710 vibraphone
• Fall Creek K-100 glockenspiel

Mallets (all mallets by Encore Mallets, Inc.)
• Nancy Zeltsman Graduated Series (soloist) and NZ7R, NZ6R, NZ5R, NZ4R (marimba II)
• Bryan Carrot Series BC10 (vibraphone II) and BC11 (vibraphone I)
• Unwound Series 76R (glockenspiel)

For more information, visit www.robertoetomo.com.