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Scenes of a Youthful Dusk
In Scenes of a Youthful Dusk, composer Matt Ridge creates a unique collage of sorts. Three distinct snapshots in time are illustrated through the colors of the vibraphone, its unique methods of preparation, and eventually the glockenspiel. These brief pieces are tied to the novel memories created during the close of day when we are young.
I. Curious Creatures is a depiction of the images seen while peering face-first into a field of tall grass. Ladybugs, crickets, caterpillars, and other critters hop into view just as quickly as they leave. Though they exist in a very small world compared to our own, their everyday interactions are characterized by ecstatic activity and quiet energy.
II. The Boogeyman’s Bustle launches forward like a mad dash. The spirited energy of a child sprinting through thick, summer evening air is nearly palpable. The music stumbles, halts, catches its breath, and bolts off again as an uncontrollable excitement overwhelms the runner. Or might it be fear?
III. The Moonlit Mobile finally sees a child at rest, tucked away in bed. There is nothing to do but gaze at the twirling planets and stars of the mobile swinging from the ceiling. Drifting in and out of a fantastic dream state, she can only imagine what big world awaits her.
These pieces may be performed as an entire suite, or individually. Detailed instructions are provided for preparing the vibraphone using including everyday items such as paper clips, index cards, coins, erasers, and rice-filled tin foil packets.
Scenes of a Youthful Dusk ships in a printed, professionally bound folio with a full color cover.
* This piece requires a method of preparing the vibraphone by attaching several objects to the bars such as index cards, tinfoil filled with rice, erasers, coins, and paperclips.
“Scenes of a Youthful Dusk” uses a clever concept executed in an engaging way. According to the program notes, the three short movements “are illustrated through the colors of the vibraphone, its unique methods of preparation, and eventually the glockenspiel. These brief pieces are tied to the novel memories created during the close of the day when we are young.”
The vibraphone is prepared similar to John Cage’s prepared piano solos, and is done taste- fully in a way that adds a layer of timbre as if another player is present. The preparation instructions, as well as pedaling notation and beater use, are very specific, but notated clearly and concisely with detailed instructions. Likewise, the glockenspiel is paired well with the prepared vibraphone, and adds a whimsical dimension to the music.
The three movements: “Curious Creatures,” “The Boogeyman’s Bustle,” and “The Moonlit Mobile” are short but visceral. These short vignettes paint the composer’s intended picture without any wasted notes or filler. The playing is quick and virtuosic but lies well on the instrument. Though the movements could be performed separately, they are most effective as three parts of a whole and would make a beautiful addition to an advanced percussion concert.
—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 58, No. 2, April 2020
In Scenes of a Youthful Dusk, composer Matt Ridge creates a unique collage of sorts. Three distinct snapshots in time are illustrated through the colors of the vibraphone, its unique methods of preparation, and eventually the glockenspiel. These brief pieces are tied to the novel memories created during the close of day when we are young.
I. Curious Creatures is a depiction of the images seen while peering face-first into a field of tall grass. Ladybugs, crickets, caterpillars, and other critters hop into view just as quickly as they leave. Though they exist in a very small world compared to our own, their everyday interactions are characterized by ecstatic activity and quiet energy.
II. The Boogeyman’s Bustle launches forward like a mad dash. The spirited energy of a child sprinting through thick, summer evening air is nearly palpable. The music stumbles, halts, catches its breath, and bolts off again as an uncontrollable excitement overwhelms the runner. Or might it be fear?
III. The Moonlit Mobile finally sees a child at rest, tucked away in bed. There is nothing to do but gaze at the twirling planets and stars of the mobile swinging from the ceiling. Drifting in and out of a fantastic dream state, she can only imagine what big world awaits her.
These pieces may be performed as an entire suite, or individually. Detailed instructions are provided for preparing the vibraphone using including everyday items such as paper clips, index cards, coins, erasers, and rice-filled tin foil packets.
Scenes of a Youthful Dusk ships in a printed, professionally bound folio with a full color cover.
* This piece requires a method of preparing the vibraphone by attaching several objects to the bars such as index cards, tinfoil filled with rice, erasers, coins, and paperclips.
“Scenes of a Youthful Dusk” uses a clever concept executed in an engaging way. According to the program notes, the three short movements “are illustrated through the colors of the vibraphone, its unique methods of preparation, and eventually the glockenspiel. These brief pieces are tied to the novel memories created during the close of the day when we are young.”
The vibraphone is prepared similar to John Cage’s prepared piano solos, and is done taste- fully in a way that adds a layer of timbre as if another player is present. The preparation instructions, as well as pedaling notation and beater use, are very specific, but notated clearly and concisely with detailed instructions. Likewise, the glockenspiel is paired well with the prepared vibraphone, and adds a whimsical dimension to the music.
The three movements: “Curious Creatures,” “The Boogeyman’s Bustle,” and “The Moonlit Mobile” are short but visceral. These short vignettes paint the composer’s intended picture without any wasted notes or filler. The playing is quick and virtuosic but lies well on the instrument. Though the movements could be performed separately, they are most effective as three parts of a whole and would make a beautiful addition to an advanced percussion concert.
—Marilyn K. Clark Silva
Percussive Notes
Vol. 58, No. 2, April 2020
