Aurora Borealis, for marimba quartet includes score.
Print size: 11 x 17"
Review from Percussive Notes (2022):
“Aurora Borealis” gives credence to the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover.” It is an absolute masterpiece of composition that not only subverts the expectations of the player and listener, but offers a necessary rethinking of the contemporary marimba quartet.
Anderson is incredibly detailed in both the instructions and the measureless score. There are details for mallets, varying roll speeds, lines to bring out in polyphonic phrases, and lighting. The players are to be set up in four different corners of the room. Though the score does not contain measures, Anderson is extremely precise in his orchestration and timing. Players will need to have mastered visual communication with each other across the room to have a successful performance. The themes and motives are elegantly passed around the ensemble, and performers will need to know not only their own part, but everyone else’s as well.
“Aurora Borealis” is a necessary addition to the marimba quartet repertoire, and I highly recommend it to any serious ensemble looking for great music to play that will offer a more immersive experience for their audience.
—Joe Millea
