Quarantina

Combining the two words "quarantine" and "sonatina," Quarantina captures little moments of escape that I used when playing the vibraphone to drown out the uncertain circumstances of our ever-changing world. It symbolizes how one would feel when gazing upon ripples in a pond as they pondered life’s unanswered questions.

Program Notes

As its name implies, Quarantina is a play on two words: “Quarantine” and “Sonatina.” Written during the early summer months of the pandemic in 2020, this piece reflects on my personal struggle in quarantine as I learned to readjust my lifestyle. The music captures little moments of escape that I used when playing the vibraphone to drown out the uncertain circumstances of our ever-changing world. It symbolizes how one would feel when gazing upon ripples in a pond as they pondered life’s unanswered questions.

The piece uses a familiar chordal structure that steps down chromatically by use of inversions. This is beautifully intertwined between major and minor tonalities as the music smoothly connects each phrase with a brilliantly memorable melody. Structured like a sonata in ABA form, the music displays a simple but deceivingly challenging performance with spiraling arpeggiated chords and rapid permutated passages. The vibraphone truly acquires a cantabile quality that is sure to elevate any mood.

- J.T.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2022
Number of Players: 1
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Solo Works

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Instrumentation

Vibraphone (3-octave)