Nina’s Ballad by Emmanuel Sejourne

Nina’s Ballad by Emmanuel Séjourné is a poignant solo marimba composition that masterfully blends lyrical expression with technical nuance. Dedicated to Japanese marimbist Nina Fujisawa, this piece invites performers to explore the marimba’s full expressive range, emphasizing musicality over mere virtuosity.

Although meticulously notated, Nina’s Ballad is conceived to evoke the spontaneity of improvisation. Séjourné encourages performers to “sing” the theme, ensuring it remains prominent amidst the intricate passages. The music demands a fluid, flexible approach, where each phrase flows naturally, capturing the essence of a heartfelt ballad.

Spanning approximately six minutes, the composition requires a four-mallet technique on a five-octave marimba. Its structure allows for dynamic contrasts and subtle tempo variations, offering performers ample opportunity to showcase their interpretative skills. The piece’s emotive depth makes it a compelling choice for recitals, competitions, and advanced study.

Key Features:

• Instrumentation: Solo marimba (5-octave, 4-mallet technique)
• Duration: Approximately 6 minutes
• Emphasis on lyrical expression and interpretative nuance
• Published by Alfonce Production (Ref: A8 049P)

Explore more in our Solo Music collection at Southern Percussion.

For additional information, visit the official Alfonce Production website.

Nina’s Ballad stands as a testament to Emmanuel Séjourné’s ability to craft music that resonates deeply, offering marimbists a piece that is both technically rewarding and emotionally stirring.