Open Spaces

Open space is a valuable resource, but it is not singularly perceived. Open space can be vast and create a sense of isolation. It can be felt as unending, a necessary but tedious passageway between here and there. Open space can be majestic and beautiful; welcome evidence of an ingenious creator. Gottry musically & masterfully renders these three perceptions in this solo work for low-A marimba.

Program Notes

Open space is a valuable resource, but it is not singularly perceived. Open space can be vast and create a sense of isolation. It can be felt as unending, a necessary but tedious passageway between here and there. Open space can be majestic and beautiful; welcome evidence of an ingenious creator. In this work for solo marimba, I’ve attempted to musically render these three perceptions. The opening and closing passages are intentionally filled with space and may be stretched and manipulated by the performer, uninhibited by any other influence. The sixteenth note passages are representative of long drives through the desert, a reality of virtually any travel from my home in Phoenix to just about anywhere else. While constant and relatively uninterrupted, even in this space there is variation if you keep looking or listening for it. Finally, in the triplet passage, we find beauty; simplistically scored without too much activity but easily the most melodic portion of the solo.
- J.G.

Grade Level: Medium
Copyright: 2020

Watch Video

Instrumentation

Marimba (4.3-octave)