Far Above Rubies (Solo 4-Mallet Marimba)

Far Above Rubies is a technically challenging contemporary work for solo 5-octave marimba. The piece highlights the emotional journey of those who have lost someone important to them. This journey is outlined through beautiful chord progressions and flowing melodic phrases contrasted by fast passages that combine various lateral-stroke combinations. The technical demands and diversity of this piece make it perfect for showcasing the performer in recital, competition, or audition settings.

Genre: Marimba (4-mallet) | # of Players: 1
Series: N/A
Level: Medium Advanced | Duration: 6:50

Instrumentation
Marimba (4.6-octave)

Program Notes
Far Above Rubies is a technically challenging contemporary work for solo 4.6-octave marimba. The piece is dedicated to those who have lost someone important to them. Losing a hero can feel like you are no longer whole, as if a part of you is missing. These kinds of losses affect our lives in major ways, but the trials we face can be a catalyst for growth. While the initial grief of loss does subside over time, I believe these significant losses are not something we ever truly “get over”, but they are meant to shape us into better versions of ourselves. This piece highlights the emotional journey and stages of grief associated with losing a hero. Just as the major key near the end of the work signifies the clouds opening and the subsiding of the initial sadness, the final “ABCD” chord reminds us of the lasting impacts of loss and the continued heritage of those who have gone before.

The book of Proverbs contains a well-known passage describing the characteristics of a virtuous woman. The passage begins with, “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her value is far above rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10). Far Above Rubies is written in lasting memory of my mother, Donna Paris, who most closely personified these characteristics.

Performed by Zach Paris