Estereotípico

For Mallet Trio

Estereotípico is a mallet trio composed by Christopher Mesa. The title translates to “stereotypical.” I chose this title because I composed something very typical sounding for this style of music. This piece borrows from the Spanish flamenco style.

This piece centers in the key of E Phrygian. It starts at a slow, expressive tempo and the music consists of arpeggiated and swelling chords. One of the main elements to this piece is the rhythm. The use of accented syncopated rhythms is important to establish the overall groove and feel of the piece. In addition, the stacking of chords in a unison rhythm also helps present the piece in Spanish flamenco style. Much of the harmony is repeated throughout the piece. However, it is the rhythm which helps make the harmony stay interesting. Towards the end, the piece has an accelerando in which the music has a descending chord sequence played in a sextuplet rhythmic pattern. As the piece ends, it restates the introduction.

Live Performance