Big Springs by Michal Brauhn Damm

Big Springs was written by Michal Brauhn Damm in memory of her grandmother, Peggy Davidson. The piece follows a carefully-crafted musical journey through memories of a loved one, touching on feelings of grief and fond reflection.

The work opens with cascading 16th note lines between the players, depicting the running water at the entrance to Brauhn’s grandparents’ farm. This builds into numerous musical ideas based around folk music, evoking an idyllic landscape. Most notably, after shifting into a fast 6/8, the Marimba 1 part contains an extended improvisational section before calmly ending the piece with a recap of earlier ideas. This work is a touching display of synergy and musical control for two intermediate-advanced marimbists, sure to be loved by audiences at any recital!