Train.Island.Train by Andrew Keeling

A brand new set of three linked pieces for marimba and piano, written for Dave Danford and Nicola Rose in 2008.

"As I was writing Train.Island.Train I was, at the same time, also in the process of travelling to and from the Isle of Arran for various educational projects as well as work on a musical and music-theatre piece there. Arran is situation off the west coast of Scotland, which meant countless railway journeys to Glasgow and then to Ardrossan from where one takes the ferry to the island. It occurred to me that the first and second pieces had become a reflection of the rail journeys in term of the driving, almost mechanical, moto perpetuo-like material; and the music of the middle piece symbolised the calm of the island itself. I also found it surprising that a Scottish-like melody had emerged as if from nowhere, finding its way into this central piece."  – Andrew Keeling – November 2008.