Barnes-Distance-M

Distance by Michael Barnes for solo 5-octave marimba and crotales (with optional ocean drum accompaniment). This programmatic work represents the separation and termination of relationships between people. The piece strives to depict the wide range of moods that can be felt during the loss of these relationships, including sadness, meditative reflection, fondness, and closure. This can also be seen literally through the player's hands that spread apart throughout the piece until they are separated a great distance at the climax. The smooth, sweeping phrases suggest the roads traveled between two people, while the optional ocean drum accompaniment represents rainfall, change, and cleansing.