Surfacing

Characterized by intriguing instrument combinations, techniques, and colors, Surfacing is a beautiful & challenging work for percussion orchestra that should not be missed.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 12 + Piano
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 7:20

Instrumentation
Crotales (2 octaves)
Bells
Vibraphone 1
Vibraphone 2
Marimba 1 (4-octave)
Marimba 2 (5-octave)
Marimba 3 (5-octave), Djembe
Marimba 4 (5-octave)
Piano
Percussion 1 (Rainstick, Spring Coil, Swish Knocker, Bongos, Tam-Tam)
Percussion 2 (High Woodblock, Ocean Drum, Kick Bass Drum, China Cymbal, Bell Tree, Garden Weasel)
Percussion 3 (Medium Woodblock, Ocean Drum, China Cymbal, Ribbon Crasher)
Percussion 4 (Low Woodblock, Concert Bass Drum, Echo Chimes, Tam-Tam)

Program Notes
Surfacing (2015) begins with a tumultuous introduction where several emerging pitch centers eventually coalesce into a three-note descending bassline. The bassline then fragments into different voices and occurs at multiple rates of speed on top of a relentless sixteenth note keyboard ostinato. During a more tranquil middle section, the descending bassline is gradually repurposed as the foundation of an ascending chord progression. After a short recapitulation and long delayed harmonic resolution, the dust settles and the piece concludes with a piano-led epilogue. In the end of the piece the ascending chord progression is all that remains, accompanied only by a few musical artifacts from the introduction.

Surfacing was commissioned by Bret Hughes and the Park City (Utah) Educational Foundation. The piece is dedicated with love and gratitude to my daughter Ariadne.

- D.H.