Quarantine Dreams by Dustin Mallory

Dustin Mallory’s Quarantine Dreams captures the essence of pandemic life in an engaging and accessible piece. Written for 2 percussionists, the piece is inspired by minimalist composers and offers an introduction to 4-mallet technique.

Program Notes
This piece was written near the end of the 2020 pandemic’s quarantine phase. It is highly influenced by minimalist composers and the minimalism of life during this period. The outside sections of the work consist of repetitive patterns that represent daily tasks being completed with limited variety. The melodic middle section represents the freedom had while dreaming. The aspirations of the subconscious are expressed here. The final section signifies the return to the rhythm of waking life. The work is designed as a contest piece for high school students. The marimba part consists of rudimentary 4-mallet technique that could serve as an introduction to 4-mallet performance. -D.M.