31st Annual Student Research Conference
Exploring Marimba & Voice
Jonathan D. Davidson♦
Dr. Michael Bump, Faculty Mentor
This compositional research explores the tonal and textural possibilities created from combining the human voice with the marimba. Music encompassing the percussive elements of the marimba and the flexibility of the voice leave much room for exploration. The marimba incorporates smooth sustain throughout the work to match the soprano voice. However, the voice part explores more percussive gestures in its word setting to match the articulated strikes of the marimba instrument. Both parts blend together and create a balanced texture, trading off between accompaniment and melody and sometimes both players hold equal importance. Mixing the two unlikely traditions of vocal music and marimba music is the goal of this composition along with contributing to the expanding repertoire of chamber music for both musical traditions. Composing for the voice and marimba has resulted in a sonically pleasing and warm chamber setting that highlights aspects of both parts that are still developing.
Keywords: Music Composition, Marimba, Soprano, Voice, Chamber Music, Composition
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Performance Art
Session: 412-6
Location: OP Performance Hall
Time: 4:40