Shattered Dreamscapes

This tour-de-force for solo 5-octave marimba features ever-changing complex meters and moods. Blessinger utilizes the full range of the instrument, showcasing what the marimba does best.

Program Notes

I wrote Shattered Dreamscapes in late 2010 at the request of my good friend, percussionist Darrin Hicks. My usual preference is to give pieces utilitarian titles, but Darrin rightly insisted that “Marimba Solo” would not do. Thus, the evocative title references the ever-changing composite meters, which disturb the regular hypermeter like light through broken glass, as well as the dream-like shifting between moods that accompanies each new section.

The parenthetical “Stock Doc Bless” after the tempo marking is an inside joke and a nod to the wonderful percussion studio at Texas Christian University, which has provided endless inspiration, both musical and personal.

This work was premiered at TCU on April 1, 2011 by Darrin Hicks.
- M.B.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2011
Number of Players: 1
Duration: 9:35
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Solo Works

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Instrumentation

Marimba (5-octave)