The Crystals

Alternating between ethereal chorales and blistering sixteenth note passages, "The Crystals" always leaves the audience wanting more. ENCORE!

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 10
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 10:10

Instrumentation
Player 1 (Vibraphone, Bells)
Player 2 (Vibraphone, Bells)
Player 3 (Chimes, Crotales, Xylophone)
Player 4 (Chimes, Crotales, Xylophone)
Player 5 (4.3 octave Marimba)
Player 6 (4.3 octave Marimba)
Player 7 (4.3 octave Marimba)
Player 8 (4.3 octave Marimba)
Player 9 (5 octave Marimba)
Player 10 (Timpani)

Program Notes
In the dictionary, a crystal is a three dimensional structure made up of atoms. molecules or ions in basic units that are repeated throughout the structure. Scientific as well as mystical groups ascribe various "magical" properties to them. "The Crystals" endeavors to imagine one's external contemplation gradually succumbing to the crystals' hypnotic pull. The observer becomes an internal part of the structure, feeling its patterns of energy-similar and contrasting facets sometimes in sync, sometimes not. The spell is broken by peak activity at the climax and the listener escapes to a respectful distance as peaceful contemplation reasserts itself. The final section is a reminder of the untapped energy available within the crystals.