Faegre-Sky Dancer (SP)-solo M/P

Beginning with a rhythmic motif in 7/8, Sky Dancer skates in and out of mixed meter with ease. Feeling natural on the marimba, the first section is comprised of themes possessing a bouncing, energetic character and flow. As the transition is made to the pesante middle section, dissonance ensues, followed by a development highlighted with metallic instruments in the accompaniment. Following a quasi cadenza featuring the upper range of the instrument, a sustained chorale section builds to a peak and dies away with a calm ostinato. Transitioning back to the beginning themes, Sky Dancer fades into a codetta to finish.

Sky Dancer works well as both a solo marimba piece without accompaniment and as a trio work featuring the marimba. Performance time is approximately 10 minutes.

At anytime, the percussionists may improvise in a style consistent with what is notated. All cymbals should be played "l.v." unless otherwise indicated.

Sky Dancer received its first solo marimba performance by the composer in February 2006. The following year, the trio version premiered with Amy Putnam as solo marimbist and Brendan Faegre and Sam Esecson, percussion, in Seattle, WA on May 5, 2007.

Grade: V
Duration: 10 min
Players: 3