Programme Notes / Performance Details :

There is a high level of athleticism and a gymnastic quality behind marimba playing. Navigating around the instrument can be an extremely daunting task, largely in part to the marimbas size.  The last two notes of the etude, a challenging five-octave leap from C to C spanning the entire range of the instrument, summarize the works theme of distance, both physical and tonal.  I am inspired by this innate challenge of physical distance found on the marimba.  Consequently, this etude challenges the performers physical agility. This concept of distance is also present at a sonic level; the entire introduction is a series of secondary dominant stacks, (tonally far from C), gradually gravitating towards the home key of C Minor.  One of two primary themes is present in this tonally distant introduction. This first theme is very chromatic, almost confused and ponderous.  The first theme is explored through the harmonic movements that finally arrive at C Minor, where the second theme of the etude arrives very straight forwardly and with conviction.  I hope these contrasting themes and distant tonal areas will highlight, again, the themes of distance and maneuverability.  It is also my hope that while the performer exercises their talent to traverse the span of the marimba, we the listeners will stress our ears to appreciate the sonic distance that is mirroring the performers athletic duties.

-Casey Cangelosi

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