Surface

Surface is a challenging work for 5-octave marimba that provides tremendous musical depth for the performer while remaining engaging and moving for an audience. Imagine, if you will, the concept of a "surface": a textured top, a stark geometric exterior, and undulating sea, the emergence of something previously hidden.

Program Notes

Surface is for an advanced marimba soloist. It is an attempt to provide tremendous musical depth for the performer while remaining engaging and moving for an audience. While finishing very differently than it begins, the piece is connected by two motifs, each taking a musical journey through meter and harmony. In composing and performing the piece, I imagined visuals relating to the concept of a “surface” in some way: a textured top, a stark geometric exterior, an undulating sea, an emergence of something previously hidden. I hope the performer can find their own meaning and connection, and that this piece can serve as an enjoyable vehicle for the performer’s unique musical expression.
- M.M.

Grade Level: 3
Copyright: 2016
Number of Players: 1
Duration: 7:35
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Solo Works

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Instrumentation

Marimba (5-octave)