Limbic Systems (Marimba Duet)

Limbic Systems is a medium-advanced marimba duet scored for two performers on a 4-octave marimba and a 4.3 or 5-octave marimba. Composed in the spring of 2020, this is a musical journal entry of sorts, reflecting on the frenetic discourse on social media during such a volatile season in America.

Genre: Duet for 2 Marimbas | # of Players: 2
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 4:30

Instrumentation
Marimba 1 (4-octave)*
Marimba 2 (4.3/5-octave)*+
*Both parts may be performed on one 4.3-octave instrument
+Ossia is provided to expand one section to 5-octave

Program Notes
Limbic Systems is a medium-advanced marimba duet scored for two performers on a 4-octave marimba and a 4.3 or 5-octave marimba. Composed in the spring of 2020, this is a musical journal entry of sorts.

The title refers to the frenetic discourse on social media during such a volatile season in America. Well before COVID-19 took hold and the election year ran its course, it felt like a fear contagion had already gripped people in all walks of life – hijacking people's limbic systems as fast as the internet would allow.

For many, at a time when compassion, grace, and humility was called for panic instead took hold.