Constellations I

This unaccompanied four-mallet marimba solo also employs the marimba frame as part of its sound and timbral resource. This solo is quite avant-garde in its presentation, and a set of detailed performance notes provides a good interpretive outline of this 12-section structure.

Additionally, there is a “no-clef” staff for the special sound effects of the marimba frame. (This reviewer recalls an era in the 1980s when such percussionists as Michael Udow utilized a specially equipped, or modified, vibraphone known as a timbrack to achieve similar contrasting timbres.) Marimbists will need to acquaint themselves with special notations of striking everything from the resonators to the marimba frame in order to render a smooth, satisfying performance. Structurally, the piece moves from a pointillistic (or sparse) effect to a very demanding arpeggiated effect about two-thirds through the composition, ending with sparse sounds, similar to the opening section.

Receiving 2nd prize in the 2021 Stellar Composer Competition, this solo would be appropriate for a graduate-level solo recital.

—Jim Lambert, Adjunct Professor at Cameron University