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Genesis

Genesis was
written as a programmatic piece, depicting the Biblical account of Creation
using different rhythmic structures as the basis for each section. The
large form of the work is Introduction, ABCA'B'C' and Chorale, with the
Introduction and Chorale being removed from the rhythmic nature of the
piece. Genesis opens with a slow, sustained section based on
the whole-tone scale, creating the impression of the emptiness existing before
creation. The first rhythmical section uses five-note groupings to depict
the creation of "Light." "Water" is evoked in the next
section, using flowing, triplet-based arpeggios. "Land" emerges
from "Water" by means of a metric modulation, shifting to rhythms
based on eighth notes. The next three sections are based on the rhythmic structures
of the preceding three, but with added complexities. "Sun
and Moon" is related to "Light," "Fish and Birds" is
tied closely to "Water," and "Animals" is related to
"Land." The final chorale, simply set in C major, depicts God's
rest at the end of creation.
click on the
cover page to view an excerpt of the piece

from
Mostly Marimba
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