Investigation, Interpretation and Internalization in Concerto Piccolino for Vibraphone by Milton Babbitt

Written in 1999, Concerto Piccolino is a part of the Composer's Guild of New Jersey Vibraphone Commission, which contains a collection of twelve soli written exclusively for vibraphone. Concerto Piccolino presents vibrant opportunities for both performer and listener to experience the compositional world of Milton Babbitt. With its limited register, ability to control duration and create extreme dynamics, the vibraphone serves as an appropriate vehicle for Babbitt's multi-dimensional style. The intent of this study is to first situate this work into Babbitt's compositional output as well as referencing Babbitt's other works for solo percussion. Next, an investigation into the background structure will provide a recommended analytical framework. Included is a performance guide for how these structures should be realized via surface materials throughout the interpretive and internalization stages of the work. Examining a recommended progression from analysis through performance will demonstrate Concerto Piccolino's significance and proper place in the standard repertoire of percussion. The study concludes with discussing connections to pedagogy and how the importance of Babbitt's work, as well as other composers of serious music, is vital to the forward progress of music performance.