Related in mood and musical material to the second movement of Psathas' double concerto View From Olympus, the gentle, reflective Fragment (2001) is suitable for players of intermediate ability and above. This short work is an adaptation of a piano duet originally written to commemorate the occasion of the retirement of the composer's first piano teacher. It is a simple and tranquil meditation in which gently pulsing chords provide hushed support to a delicate melody.
David Corkhill, Music Teacher, April 2005
In the fast-growing world of percussion music (who would have thought, 15 years ago pre-Glennie, monthly reviews would appear?) publishers continually seek more eye-catching formats, and Promethean Editions have done very nicely with their selection of pieces for marimba and vibraphone. John Psathas' Fragment is almost as brief as its title, but there are some delightful sounds in this straightforward vibraphone and piano piece; it would be interesting to hear a more substantial work by Psathas.
John Lane, Percussive Notes, August, September 2009.
Fragment is an adaptation for vibes and piano from the original piano duet. According to the composer, the work is related in mood and musical material to the second movement of his large double concerto for percussion, piano and orchestra, View From Olympus. Fragment is appropriately titled due to its length, clocking in at less than three minutes (45 measures).
The music consists of slowly shifting sixteenth-note based chordal patterns, with the vibraphone weaving in and out of the chordal texture of the piano. The vibraphone part requires four mallets, but mostly consists of slowly-moving melodic lines and chords.
New Zealand composer John Psathas is a unique voice in contemporary music. Many will know his work Matre's Dancce (1991), which has become a standard on percussion recitals. Fragment would be a refreshing and unique addition to any undergraduate recital.
Difficulty Rating Scale: lll - Intermediate
John Psathas is a New Zealand freelance composer and teacher who, at a relatively early stage in his career, has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations both in New Zealand and overseas. His works are championed around the world by a growing number of leading international artists, one of the most consistent of whom has been the Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie. Initially making a name for himself as a composer of high-energy percussion music, more recently the composer has concentrated on a series of larger-scale concertante works. A major career highlight to date has been the commission to compose the ceremonial music for the opening and closing of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. In 2005 John Psathas was created an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.
