John Brakstad

Kobolt

COBALT was commisioned by Modum Janitsjar as own choice piece for the Norwegian championship (third section) 2009.

The Royal Cobalt Works of Modum were established in 1773 to extract cobalt ore from the local mines. The works were in operation until 1893.
The cobalt was used in the production of cobalt blue pigment for the world`s porcelain and glass industry.
To day it is a museum showing us how people at that time worked and lived.
Most of the work was done by hand. There were also bad accidents with many fatalites.
But in their free time there were dancing and drinking, and the entire piece ends with a dance-episode including a local tune.

TO THE CONDUCTOR:
There is an oboe-part in the partset,but it is not written into the full score (doubling of other parts).
The percussionists have an important role in this piece. Let them be heard!

COBALT
PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
Metal: Set of 4 metalblocks / saucepans/ carwheel hubs - different pitches and 'dry sound'.
Chimes
Windchimes (two sizes to be used together)
Templeblocks (graniteblocks)
Cowbells (a2)
Rainstick
Slide whistle
Cabasa
Sandpaper
LC (large susp. cymb)
LC (loose, to be put up side down on one timp when written)
Splashcymbal
Set of 3 small susp. cymbals , diff. sizes, dry sound
Tam-tam (chinese gong)
Antique cymbal(fingercymb)
Tambourine
Anvil / ambolt (large size)
Guiro
BD/grand cassa
BD medium size
SD (piccolo drum)
Set Up ( two bongos, three tom toms)
Saucer (asjett)
Barchimes
Woodblock
Whip
Set of 4 timps
Vibraslap
Ratchet /rattle
Flexatone
Klokkespill ( Glock)
Triangle
Marimba
Xylophone