Vertical Sprawl (2022)
Technical Information
Marimba duo
Premiered Nov 2024, Rice University
Moody Center of the Arts
Vertical Sprawl draws inspiration from the 'Urban Impressions' exhibition at the Moody Center of the Arts in fall 2022. This exhibition captured the multi-sensory experience of living in a city, like Houston. Immersing myself in the visual art's spirit, I began contemplating the notion of cities' vertical growth. Rather than expanding outward, many cities are reaching skyward. This curiosity led me to ponder what music embodying this upward expansion might sound and look like.
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Vertical Sprawl is my sandbox exploration of concepts of vertical expansion, considering both auditory and spatial dimensions. The visual theatrics between the two players are a crucial role in the realization of the spatial verticality, evolving dynamically as the piece unfolds.
Throughout the composition, you'll witness the marimba players' transition from two to four mallets, spinning around each other and playing on opposite sides of the marimba. In doing so, it not only captures the verticality but also reminds us of the unique harmony found in the close proximity of city living.