by Benjamin Finley
13 players
Instrumentation: Crotales (2 octaves), Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Chimes, 2 vibraphones, 4 marimbas—(3) low A, (1) low C, 4 timpani, Drums (4 medium toms, bass drum), Cymbals (large suspended cymbal, small cymbal, sizzle cymbal), Accessories (high brake drum, medium high brake drum, low brake drum, finger cymbals, medium triangle,)
Through a variety of smooth blended keyboard textures, juxtaposed angular percussive motives, and cold metallic punctuation, Glacier tells the story of a typical geologic “day” in the life of a glacier. Written for 13 players at an advanced level, balance in the ensemble and within the full dynamic spectrum is key to the success of this programmatic work, which bears the subtitle “In Memoriam: John Muir.” America’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist, Muir and his supporters formed the Sierra Club “to make the mountains glad.” This work written in his honor is sure to make players and listeners glad too.
Glacier comes as a full, bound score and includes a CD-ROM containing individual parts and a recording.
