Fantasie in A for Marimba [DIGITAL]

Fantasie in A is a marimba solo inspired by the M.C. Escher drawing Metamorphosis II. It is the metamorphosis of one musical idea into a series of other musical ideas, connected in much the same way elements of the Escher drawing are connected. One idea slowly changes into another, becomes a different part of another, or pivots around a single note, eventually leading us back to the beginning material.

Genre: Marimba (4-mallet) | # of Players: 1
Level: Medium | Duration: 5:30

Instrumentation
5-octave Marimba

Program Notes
Fantasie in A is a marimba solo inspired by the M.C. Escher drawing Metamorphosis II. It is the metamorphosis of one musical idea into a series of other musical ideas, connected in much the same way elements of the Escher drawing are connected. One idea slowly changes into another, becomes a different part of another, or pivots around a single note, eventually leading us back to the beginning material. A “fantasie,” in musical terms, is a composition with a free form and an improvisatory style.

Fantasie in A is a medium to difficult work meant for the advanced high school or college marimba player. Techniques include double vertical, single alternating, single independent, and double lateral strokes. It is quite a workout for the left hand!