Jörg Franke

African Moods

African Moods is the first edition of a new series bearing the title World Beat - Ethno Percussion Music, issued by Joachim Sponsel. Jörg Franke, the author, is a percussion teacher at the music school in Frankfurt/Main. He composed this piece for his ensemble. It has been arranged for six players who will need the following instruments: African bell (Double bell) or 2 cowbells, maracas, shekere, 2 djembe (or conga), solo djembe, 2 tom toms in 10'' and 12, ankle bells and a bass drum size 20 to 22 plus one marimba which carries the melody. An additional effect is achieved by the hand clap. African Moods is a result of the occupation with the music of West and Central Africa. It would be an advantage to use original instruments, but other instruments can be used as well. The score has been notated in full, and some skips were added. This piece makes use of the full tonal range of the individual instruments. The sections are marked by different tone colours. This piece is well-suited for advanced ensembles especially at music schools.