The Bell and Pendulum is a Level 6 piece by Travis Marcum that teaches the PIM arpeggio. This piece is one of the few that is a true Quartet and must be played in this format. Begin by utilizing the warm-up exercise that goes along with this piece. Once the arpeggio is learned, focus attention on keeping the ensemble in time by accenting the thumb on the beat. See Level 6 curriculum document for teaching proper PIM arpeggio technique. The primary arpeggio in The Bell and Pendulum is passed throughout the parts. Listen carefully for consistency in tone, color, and dynamic range. The slow section marked “free” should be extremely loose. Do some conducting exercises to prep them for this such as conducting a memorized scale with accelerando and ritardando along with dynamic changes.
Cultural/Historical Context:
The Bell and Pendulum is loosly modeled after the style of Neo-gothic composer Arvo Part. This Estonian composer is known for his minimalist compositions that utilize a single triad along with bell like sounds. Listen to a work entitled “Tabula Rasa”.