Spark (Perc Ens 13)

Spark is an exciting and sophisticated work for large percussion ensemble. Based on the concept of exponential expansion, Spark takes the listener through a constantly transforming journey of a simple melodic theme.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 13
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 5:30

Instrumentation
Bells
Xylophone/Crotales [2 octaves]
Vibraphone 1
Vibraphone 2
Chimes (Wind Chimes, Sizzle Cymbal)
Marimba 1 [4-octave]
Marimba 2 [4.3-octave]
Marimba 3 [4.3-octave]
Marimba 4 [5-octave]
Timpani [4 drums]
Percussion 1: Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Sizzle Cymbal, Tam-Tam, Snare Drum, Djembe
Percussion 2: Triangle, Bell Tree, Cymbals: Sizzle, Ride, Hi-Hat, China, Low Tom, Tam-Tam (shared)
Percussion 3: Bass Drum, Impact Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Sizzle Cymbal

Program Notes
Spark is composed around the concept of exponential expansion. Similar to how a small spark can lead to a great fire under the right circumstances or a simple idea can multiply to create large societal change, my goal when writing this piece was to make a complex and musically dense soundscape while maintaining the integrity and groove of the initial simple melody. While Spark was primarily written in the spring of 2020, the main theme has been a melody that I have played around with since I first started writing music and thus became the perfect catalyst for my first large-scale percussion ensemble work. - L.V.