Swist-Impressions of Giza-M

Impressions of Giza by Christopher Swist is an advanced composition for solo marimba. It is compromised of several sketches detailing his view of the pyramids and scenery of Egypt.

"Impressions of Giza was written in the summer of 1999 for Craig Bitterman. He also completed the editing and engraving of the manuscript. Years ago, I took several Anthropology courses as an undergraduate and have always held a mild interest in Egyptology. The mathematical nature of the pyramids lent themselves well to set theory and registration structures. Impressions of Giza is a series of musical sketches based on the Giza plateau. They follow the path of one who may travel upon the desert and comes upon the features of the plateau. In the Khufu sketch the traveler enters the passage of the Great Pyramid to view the great gallery and tomb of the dead king. The journey continues to the river Nile where the traveler comes to rest and meditate on the impressions. This work is an example of a marimba solo written away from the instrument using tone rows, interval relationships and thematic transformations." - Christopher Swist

4.5 octave marimba required