Jericho

Jericho is the third installment in the Rosewood Bible series, and tells the story of the fall of the so-named Biblical city. The work strives to capture the somewhat laid back pace of this “battle” through a relaxed, jazzy style.

Program Notes

Jericho is the third installment in the Rosewood Bible series, and tells the story of the fall of the so-named Biblical city. Joshua, the commander of the Israelite army, leads his company against the city and defeats it in a notably unusual way. Instead of laying siege to it or burning it down, God tells him to march around it once a day for a week, until the seventh day, at which time the walls will crumble. This piece strives to capture the somewhat laid back pace of this “battle” through a relaxed, jazzy style. The continuous marching is represented by an almost constant ostinato bass, which despite being passed from one instrument to another, remains steady throughout, until the culmination of the piece as the city falls.

The Rosewood Bible encompasses a series of eight compositions based on Biblical highlights, beginning with Eden for solo marimba, and ending with Revelation for percussion duo and piano. Each piece may be performed separately, or the entire series of works may be performed in order as a programmatic representation of the Holy Bible.

Grade Level: 3
Copyright: 2011
Number of Players: 5
Duration: 7:30
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Quintet
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Marimba (5-octave) & Vibraphone (1 player)
Piano
5-string Electric Bass
Drum Set
Percussion (Bass Drum & Tam-Tam)