Cheung-Heaven and Earth Suite (SP)-V/X/2M/P

Heaven and Earth is loosely based on creationism. While there are certain moments in the music that relates to my Chinese heritage, the subject matter itself is quite universal. This piece explores the ethereal ideal of ‘Heaven’, the powerful grounding of ‘Earth’, and the place in between these opposites where union and peace can be found.

This piece was conceived somewhat as a concerto for solo marimba/percussion with percussion quintet or sextet. While there are five sections (Heaven/Earth/Mankind/Union/Finale), I think of it as one continued through-composed piece.

- Pius Cheung

Additional Information:

• Number of players: 6-7
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Instrumentation:
  • Player 1: Marimba 1 (5 octave)
  • Player 2: Marimba 2 (5 octave), China cymbal
  • Player 3: Vibraphone, xylophone, low gong, opt. crotales
  • Player 4: Bass drum or O-daiko
  • Player 5: Bass drum, Shime-daiko or bongo, wind gong
  • Player 6: Bass drum, Chu-daiko or conga, suspended cymbal or China cymbal
  • Player 7 (optional): Jing cymbals