Stunts and Traces

Stunts and Traces (marimba and tape) was written for Robert Paterson and completed in 1998 at Indiana University. Marimba samples were manipulated and sequenced to create the tape part. The marimbist uses six mallets throughout the work, a technique which Paterson strongly promotes. The piece contains four short movements. The first is a driving, introductory movement; the second is a slightly comical intermezzo. The third features periodicity as a theme, often leading to rhythmic conflicts between individual mallets. The last movement sets up a contemplative mood with shifting tonalities and a perpetual trailer effect, creating the illusion of a sustaining marimba.

A low-F marimba is required for this piece.