Enchanted Glade: Sonata for Marimba

Publication Date

2025

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

College of Music & Performing Arts

Department

Music, School of

Student Level

Graduate

SPARK Category

Performance

Faculty Advisor

Clare Eng

SPARK Session

"Music" (Clare Eng 8-9am)

Presentation Type

Performance

Summary

Enchanted Glade is an advanced marimba solo in sonata form. One notable feature of this piece is its harmonic motion; the tonal center changes frequently and often moves to unexpected keys. A left-hand octave motif helps to signal when these harmonic changes happen. Additionally, these harmonic changes often take place through enharmonic chord relations, such as a German augmented sixth chord in one key being interpreted as a dominant 7 chord in a new key. Furthermore, extended harmony is used throughout the piece, often creating harmonic ambiguity by implying multiple potential chord interpretations.

In regard to melody, the piece naturally has a primary and secondary theme as part of its sonata form. However, between the primary and second theme, each transitional key area has its own distinct melodic fragments. These fragments recur alongside the primary and secondary themes in the closing section of the exposition and throughout the development.

Although the work is not strictly programmatic, the title Enchanted Glade was chosen to represent the way that the piece moves through multiple key areas and melodic ideas. In a magical forest filled with fantastical creatures, this enchanted glade finds itself frequented by myriad mystical entities. Each creature’s unique magic permeates the glade, creating a distinct melodic and harmonic landscape that continues to transform as more and more creatures pass through the glade.

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