Distance by Micheal Barnes for solo marimba musically represents the unfortunate but inevitable loss of touch between two people as they move through life and travel in different physical and psychological directions. This piece travels through sadness, meditation, and closure.
The player's hands physically embody the idea behind the music by spreading further and further apart on a large 5-octave marimba. Seven crotales of specific pitches are used at the very beginning and very end of the piece, adding a tranquilly bright color.
Any soloist wishing to perform this work will need strong command of one-handed rolls and a large degree of musical sensitivity. A second player on ocean drum can be added if so desired.
Difficulty: Medium +
Duration: 7:10
This piece requires a 5.0 octave marimba and the following crotale pitches (low to high): E, A, C#, E, F#, G#, A
