Morning Dance – Marimba Solo by Benjamin Wittiber

Benjamin Wittiber made a name for himself as a composer with his marimba solo “Marimba Dance,” recorded on Katarzyna Mycka’s CD of the same title. As the title “Morning Dance” suggests, this solo for 4.5-octave marimba has a laid-back, yet funky groove. “Morning Dance” is in 4/4 with the same off-beat sixteenth-note pattern played constantly. The melody notes played above this syncopated ostinato break up the monotony while the jazzinfluenced progressions create a relaxed atmosphere for the performer and audience. The piece lasts approximately five minutes and fits into an ABA structure. The repetition within each section and ostinato rhythms make this piece accessible to intermediate players looking to play an enjoyable, yet challenging work. (Brian Zator)