Nocturne in F Major by Pius Cheung

Laden with lush chords and harmonic depth, this duo for vibraphone and 5.0-octave marimba is a wonderful adaptation of the composer’s marimba solo by the same name. Inspired by a need to find “inner peace” amidst a season of residence in busy New York, this duet breathes and moves with tenderness and tranquility.

Considering the source material from which it came, it is no surprise that the marimba part is the more demanding of the two in terms of four-mallet difficulty, harmonic contribution, and dexterity. However, in spite of a rather formulaic transcription where the vibraphonist shoulders much of the melodic material while accompanied by (or played in unison with) the marimbist, the unique character and allure of the original solo is effectively captured and presented in a way that will please performers and audience members alike. Appropriate for university undergraduate and graduate performances, this nine-minute duet is a welcome addition to keyboard repertoire from an accomplished and talented composer and performer.