run

Duration ca. 14' (2002)
Solo Marimba

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Premiered by Janice Potter, marimba with over 45 performances at private and educational venues in IL, OH, NY, CT, FL, LA, KY, TX, AK, MI, OK, MD and DC since October, 2003.

Other performances: Svetoslav Stoyanov, Baltimore, MD, March, 2002; Danny Villanueva, College Park, MD, April 23, 2005; Darren Bastian, Tempe, AZ, October 29, 2007.

program note

Run is a solo marimba piece composed for and dedicated to Svetoslav Stoyanov. Additionally, marimbist Janis Potter had a tremendous influence on the piece. I am fond of writing compositions specially tailored to the interests and talents of the performing soloists. My experience with these players is quite unique. I was inspired by the kinesthetic fire and sheer intensity generated from their playing. Many of the musical gestures in the piece reflect their natural motion and movement.

The composition is divided into three distinct parts: a pensive and expanding opening followed by a second rapid movement that flies in tempo and contour. The composition closes with an introspective and elegiac ending. The composition is unified by a four-note motive (pitches A, B, D, C) that clearly emerge from the rolls in the initial movement. This motive appears in various guises and gestures throughout the composition.