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In 2017, the world was captivated by the discovery of 'Oumuamua – a celestial wanderer from beyond our solar system. Its elongated shape and mysterious origins were so unique that they sparked speculation. Scientists pondered: could it be an artificial creation? Might 'Oumuamua be something akin to a lightsail—a spacecraft propelled by the radiation pressure (or "wind") from stars, originating from a distant, advanced civilization?
Lightsails ('Oumuamua) by Clif Walker provides a soundtrack for this intriguing encounter, employing a range of techniques on mallet keyboards and metallics. Both rhythmically and harmonically dense, Walker masterfully evokes a sense of vast space and wonder, sure to elicit goosebumps and offer a substantial challenge for seven medium-advanced players.
If 'Oumuamua is truly a creation of an advanced civilization, are they friend or foe?
Lightsails ('Oumuamua) is available as a professionally bound printed score and comes with individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.
Crotales (high octave)
Glockenspiel
Chimes
2 Vibraphones
2 Marimbas — (1) low A, (1) 5-octave
Drums — concert bass drum
Cymbals & gongs — China cymbal, hi-hat, ride cymbal (flat), sizzle cymbal, splash cymbal, 4-5 suspended cymbals, tam-tam, Remo Spoxe (or Zil-Bel or other large resonant metal)
Accessories — bell tree, finger cymbal, mark tree, triangle, wooden plank
Inspired by the discovery of the interstellar object ’Oumuanua in 2017, this work for seven percussionists uses colorful orchestration and clever rhythms to create a sense of wonder and adventure. Given the size of the ensemble and interplay between the parts, it could be performed with a conductor, although the video on the publisher’s website showcases the Portland State University Percussion Ensemble’s performance without one.
The outer sections are spacious and characterized by bowed vibraphone and dissonant metallic sounds set against a glockenspiel melody that seems to reflect a hopeful sense of curiosity. The majority of the work is occupied by a quicker middle section that alternates between traditional tonality and quirky (but not quite atonal) chromaticism. This is underpinned by cleverly orchestrated hi-hat and ride cymbal parts that support and interact with the keyboard percussion writing.
All of the writing appears to be carefully idiomatic to the instruments but is not without technical demand. All vibraphone and marimba parts require four-mallet technique, including quick permutations, chordal writing, and the playing of two-mallet lines while holding four mallets. While the percussion part is less technically demanding, a significant amount of responsibility for ensemble cohesion falls on this player, necessitating a mature performer.
At just over five minutes in length, this piece could serve a significant place on an intermediate undergraduate percussion ensemble program or that of a highly advanced high school group.
—Jason Baker
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 1, February 2024
In 2017, the world was captivated by the discovery of 'Oumuamua – a celestial wanderer from beyond our solar system. Its elongated shape and mysterious origins were so unique that they sparked speculation. Scientists pondered: could it be an artificial creation? Might 'Oumuamua be something akin to a lightsail—a spacecraft propelled by the radiation pressure (or "wind") from stars, originating from a distant, advanced civilization?
Lightsails ('Oumuamua) by Clif Walker provides a soundtrack for this intriguing encounter, employing a range of techniques on mallet keyboards and metallics. Both rhythmically and harmonically dense, Walker masterfully evokes a sense of vast space and wonder, sure to elicit goosebumps and offer a substantial challenge for seven medium-advanced players.
If 'Oumuamua is truly a creation of an advanced civilization, are they friend or foe?
Lightsails ('Oumuamua) is available as a professionally bound printed score and comes with individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.
Crotales (high octave)
Glockenspiel
Chimes
2 Vibraphones
2 Marimbas — (1) low A, (1) 5-octave
Drums — concert bass drum
Cymbals & gongs — China cymbal, hi-hat, ride cymbal (flat), sizzle cymbal, splash cymbal, 4-5 suspended cymbals, tam-tam, Remo Spoxe (or Zil-Bel or other large resonant metal)
Accessories — bell tree, finger cymbal, mark tree, triangle, wooden plank
Inspired by the discovery of the interstellar object ’Oumuanua in 2017, this work for seven percussionists uses colorful orchestration and clever rhythms to create a sense of wonder and adventure. Given the size of the ensemble and interplay between the parts, it could be performed with a conductor, although the video on the publisher’s website showcases the Portland State University Percussion Ensemble’s performance without one.
The outer sections are spacious and characterized by bowed vibraphone and dissonant metallic sounds set against a glockenspiel melody that seems to reflect a hopeful sense of curiosity. The majority of the work is occupied by a quicker middle section that alternates between traditional tonality and quirky (but not quite atonal) chromaticism. This is underpinned by cleverly orchestrated hi-hat and ride cymbal parts that support and interact with the keyboard percussion writing.
All of the writing appears to be carefully idiomatic to the instruments but is not without technical demand. All vibraphone and marimba parts require four-mallet technique, including quick permutations, chordal writing, and the playing of two-mallet lines while holding four mallets. While the percussion part is less technically demanding, a significant amount of responsibility for ensemble cohesion falls on this player, necessitating a mature performer.
At just over five minutes in length, this piece could serve a significant place on an intermediate undergraduate percussion ensemble program or that of a highly advanced high school group.
—Jason Baker
Percussive Notes
Vol. 62, No. 1, February 2024
