Ayehli (2002)
Alexandra Gardner
PUBLISHER: Self-published (Composer Website)
RECORDINGS: Luminoso, Robert Armengol (Innova Recordings)
RANGE: 4.5 octaves
DURATION: 11:45
MOVEMENTS: Single movement
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The soundscape and marimba should blend as one. The sounds of each ebb and flow into the other. The work is based on field recordings from the "Ground Zero" site of the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City and the composer intended to "transform the results of a tragedy into something more positive and beautiful." The first five minutes use small, repetitious cells in the marimba over sustained soundscape. A middle rhythmic section lasts only a couple minutes before the beginning ideas return to close the work. The performer is given great freedom to repeat phrases and move through sections as they wish, adhering only to general timings. The composition takes advantage of the resonant sound of a marimba. A slight reverb effect could be used to enhance that quality depending on the performance space. The composer indicated matched sets of medium-hard and medium-soft mallets, but the performer should choose whatever produces a full and resonant sound.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Sampled marimba sounds that have been processed. The field recordings are taken from ambient sounds around the perimeter of the site and from the diner rescue workers would stop at for meals. Some sections of the accompaniment contain cues discernible enough to guide the performer, but time markers throughout the score are better utilized as the soundscape is almost entirely "out of time."
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, and DV. Opening portion of the work was written in meter but creates a roll/sustain effect. Intervals within a hand are of a fifth or smaller. There are no large leaps and the hands remain close together. The writing is idiomatic, mostly single-line style. Creating smooth, legato lines is the primary consideration for most of the work. The middle section requires a more articulate touch compared to the outer sections.
COMPOSER'S NOTE: The following text by Alexandra Gardner was taken from the score:
The title is the Cherokee word for twin—the literal translation is other wing. For me it speaks to the relationship between the marimba and the electronic sounds—rising out of and falling into one another, melting together, always close.