Castle in the Air, A

Commissioned by The Green Vibes Project, A Castle in the Air is a challenging and colorful work for solo vibraphone. The title is an idiom referring to a daydream, a near impossibility, or scheme. As the piece progresses, it travels through several daydreaming moods - from peace to worry and back again.

Program Notes

A Castle in the Air is an idiom referring to a daydream, a near impossibility, or scheme. As we go through the piece, the opening is very peaceful as we begin to think about our daydream, but as we drift further, we begin to worry. Suddenly we snap out of it and begin to hear the sounds around us again, but nerveless we seep back into our fanciful dream. We think uneasy thoughts until we come to end of our journey remembering that anything is possible.

- A.P.

A Castle in the Air was written for my friend Chase Banks and the Green Vibes Project.

PERFORMANCE NOTES
A Castle in the Air should be played with a soundscape in the background, such as stagnant rain and thunder, ocean waves, a fireplace, or even birds singing. This constant “drone” will give the listener something that weaves its way in and out from underneath the music. It is entirely up to the performer to choose which soundscape he/she thinks is best, as each gives the piece different imagery.

ABOUT THE GREEN VIBES PROJECT The Green Vibes Project was founded in 2018 by husband and wife, Chase and Christine Banks, because they saw a need for sustainability awareness in the classical music market. As the name states, this “green” organization focuses on commissioning music that utilizes metal-based instruments, sustainably-made, and/or recycled instrumentation to promote environmental sustainability and provide meaningful repertoire to classical music literature. Follow us on our website and social media for updates and future commissioning series!

The Green Vibes Project inspires awareness and discussion on sustainable musical practices through the performance and commissioning of new chamber works.

Website: www.GreenVibesProject.org

- Chase Banks

Grade Level: Medium Difficult
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Percussion

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Instrumentation

Vibraphone (3-octave)