Rain Makers by Paul Judge

The opening marimba ostinato and vibraphone melody portray the gentle showers that precede an approaching storm. As the weather becomes more dramatic, the ensemble builds in texture and intensity with driving marimba accompaniment, soaring vibraphone and tubular bell melodies, before the storm is upon us! The thunder, lightning, driving wind, and rain are portrayed by a percussion break, full of elemental fury and excitement! In the storm’s aftermath, the piece moves into a minimalist section, with the layering voices across the ensemble giving an aleatoric feel, under a pre-recorded collection of weather forecasts! As the storm fades, we are reintroduced to our opening theme, this time carried by marimba and accompanied on vibraphone. The piece is brought to a close with the ever fading marimba ostinato again portraying the easing showers of rain.