Roblee-Ghanaian Sunset (SP)-2M/P

Ghanaian Sunset was inspired by traditional music elements from Ghana. It is built from melodic quotes of northwest Ghanaian gyil music and supported by original material throughout. The piece opens with a driving rhythm that introduces the call, a rhythmic pattern appearing throughout the piece signifying changes in the music. The first melody, from Tome Na (It Is Our Work), appears with harmonization and minimal accompaniment. The next call signifies a transition to a drumming section, organized by instruments, form, and structure as a traditional ensemble from southern Ghana, but composed of original material. The final section of Ghanaian Sunset introduces a gyil melody from Ni Faa Mi Kpi which is transformed through exciting harmonization and rhythm.

- Thomas Roblee

• Number of players: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Instrumentation:
• Player 1: Marimba, kpanlogo (or low conga or low pitched drum)
• Player 2: Marimba, axatse (shaker, preferably with beads on the outside)
• Player 3: Djembe (or conga or 3 higher pitched drums), wind chimes, preferably bamboo
• Player 4: Small cymbal (splash) and gankogui (or agogo or 2 cowbells)