Steinquest, David: Meditation and Dance

for Marimba

Meditation is a sensitive, rubato movement which utilizes the marimba to its fullest. In contrast, Dance has a lilting, driving feel. Musical Features Meter = 4/4 throughout the “Meditation”; changing meters in the “Dance”; beginning in 7/8. Tempo = Rubato w/quarter-note = 60 in “Meditation”; “With Fire” (quarter = 176) in the “Dance” Expressive markings = limited dynamics in “Meditation”; a few more in the “Dance.” Technical Features Mostly independent strokes with very few rolls in “Meditation”; only one short 4-mallet roll in the “Dance.” Mainly double-lateral strokes between the two hands with predominantly 4th and 5th intervals in the “Dance.” Interval changes are small, and reaches are no more than a 6th in either movement. The piece is very idiomatic for the marimba. Duration Approx. 4 minutes for both movements Instrumentation Marimba 4 Octave (C3 to C7) - 4 Mallets