Masson-Cosmic Tree (SP)-Solo M/B/V/4T/P

Cosmic Tree by Askell Masson for solo marimba and three percussionists. The title of this piece refers to the cosmic tree of Norse mythology, the Yggdrasill. This tree of life extends to the heavens from the earth, thus uniting them. It is said to have three supportive roots which embrace the whole of the earth. Beneath each root are wells guarded by the nornes (fortune women) who decide the lives and destiny of mankind. The beginning of the work is influenced by an Icelandic folk song.

Duration: 10 minutes

Instrumentation:
Solo 5-Octave Marimba
Percussion 1 - three woodblocks, suspended cymbal, glockenspiel, bass drum
Percussion 2 - 4 temple blocks, suspended cymbal, vibraphone, large frame drum
Percussion 3 - 4 pitches slit drum, suspended cymbal, loose cymbal, timpani