Lunation

for vibraphone and marimba duo

Chad Heiny

Level: Medium

Duration: 4:30

Personnel: 2 players

State Lists: Florida

Release Date: 2022

Product ID : TSPCD22-005

Price: $28.00

Item #: TSPCD22-005

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Description

Lunation, by composer Chad Heiny, is a two-movement duet for vibraphone and marimba. Inspired by the changing from one new moon to the next, it symbolizes lessons learned (I. Old Moon), and new beginnings (II. New Moon). And much like the life symbolized within the music, there is no pause between movements.

The music is perfectly representative in the reflectiveness of the old moon, and the buoyant, hopeful jubilation of the new. The latter will surely challenge players with a nearly constant array of flourishing runs and tightly woven interplay. The result is a joyful and satisfying journey for performers and listeners.

Lunation ships as a printed, professionally bound score, and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.

Performed by Dietz/Miranda Duo (Brett Dietz, marimba and Gustavo Miranda, vibraphone).

Instrumentation

Vibraphone

Marimba — (1) 5-octave

Reviews

“Lunation” is a 4½ minute duet for vibraphone and marimba. Written in two movements, the piece is inspired by revolutions of the moon — specifically, the time from one new moon to the next. Labeled as a medium-level work by the publisher, it is appropriate for advanced high school or younger undergraduate students.

The first movement, “Old Moon,” is subdued and reflective, allowing each player some liberty with their phrasing. The second movement, “New Moon,” is much more energetic, requiring the players to flawlessly align. While the first movement uses four-mallet technique and a strong sense of line, I would argue the second movement is more difficult, as it is very rhythmically and technically demanding.

“Lunation” is a great work for any younger percussion duo, presenting achievable and worthwhile challenges from beginning to end. It would be an excellent addition to a chamber recital, jury performance, or department showcase concert.

—Danielle Moreau
Percussive Notes
Vol. 61, No. 1, February 2023