Halcyon Deconstruction (2012)
Nathan Daughtrey
PUBLISHER: C. Alan Publications
RECORDINGS: None
RANGE: 5.0 octaves
DURATION: 10:15
MOVEMENTS: Single movement
TYPE OF ACCOMPANIMENT: Fixed
MUSICAL OVERVIEW: The marimba is usually the more important voice, and the tape part supports and contributes well to the marimba. Though the tape is usually very clear, the beat can get lost in the section following the cadenza. A subwoofer is recommended for the usage of low frequencies. The performer must get used to the length of time in the free opening and cadenza. Mallet suggestions are indicated in the score and comprise of sets of four medium-soft and four medium-hard mallets. Using the indicated medium-soft mallets after the cadenza can lead to an inarticulate and muddy sound towards the end of the work. It is therefore suggested to switch to medium or medium-hard mallets in the two measures of rest following the cadenza.
ACCOMPANIMENT OVERVIEW: Contemporary software synthesized sounds. The sounds are mostly imitative of actual percussion instruments reflecting the origin of this work for marimba and percussion quartet. Some portions of the tape sounds are also influenced by electronica/dance music. The opening section and cadenza allow the performer latitude in execution, with small cues to provide landmarks through time.
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW: SI, SIA, DV, and DL. Frequent and extended use of an octave-interval within one hand. Stickings are idiomatic and often present themselves logically. The closing section following the cadenza is the most difficult portion of the writing and calls for careful execution of four-mallet sticking choices though remaining idiomatic.
COMPOSER'S NOTE: The following text by Nathan Daughtrey was taken from his website:
The phrase "Halcyon Days" refers to a period of peace and tranquility. It can also harken back to an earlier time that is remembered as idyllic, whether accurately or not. I researched the mythological origins of this phrase to gather more inspiration for the piece. According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, Alcyone was the daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds, and the wife of Ceyx. Alcyone and Ceyx were very much in love and were never willingly apart. Ceyx decided he must make a long journey across the sea to consult the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Knowing the danger of such a journey, Alcyone was overwhelmed with grief and terror and begged him not to go. Ceyx left anyway and died tragically in a shipwreck. The gods came to Alcyone in a dream and told her of her husband's death. Stricken with grief, she jumped into the sea, but the Gods took pity on her and before she could be overcome by the waves, she was transformed into a kingfisher (also called a halcyon). Ceyx was changed into a bird as well and their love was blessed for all time. In their honor, Zeus forbade the winds to blow for seven days prior to and seven days following the Winter Solstice so Alcyone & Ceyx could safely brood over their nests near the waters. Their tragic love story has given us the very word that means calm, contentment and happiness.
The music follows the arc of the story fairly closely and divides into six major sections. The melodic/harmonic material is derived from 4 chords/pitch sets that have only 4 pitches in common.