Sky Songs (2013)
Bachovich Music Publications (www.bachovich.com)
Instrumentation
Vibraphone, Bow, Guitar, Crotales or Bells (C#, D, F), Maraca, Concert Bass Drum (small), 2 Congas, and Sizzle Cymbal (large)
Notes for Vocalist:
It was my intention to construct the vocal part in such a way that it can be sung by a variety of different voice parts, ranges, and timbres so long as he/she can perform the piece within the range written (men will sing one octave lower than written). The vocalist should not take a purely classical, popular, or ethnic approach to singing this piece. Instead, the vocalist should explore the possibilities of combining vocal styles/techniques to create a unique and idiosyncratic approach to each song.
Sky Songs, scored for voice and percussion, is a reflection of my ongoing interest to combine the two oldest musical traditions in the world. With that in mind, the compositional process was heavily driven by melody and rhythm, however the text played an integral role in helping to choose the sounds and colors heard throughout the piece. For me, Carl Sandburg’s sky poetry was the perfect vehicle in which to explore the combinatorial possibilities of these two musical art forms.
- Performed by
Rachel Inselman (soprano) and Gene Koshinski (percussion)