Threnos

Threnos is a marimba solo of calm, sustained character, unfolding as a continuous musical arc rather than a dramatic narrative. The piece moves steadily forward, guided by a strong sense of direction and melodic clarity, while allowing space for rubato and resonance.

A free, spacious introduction establishes the sound world of the piece, followed by a formally structured middle section. The main thematic material unfolds in clearly articulated blocks, built around contrasting bass concepts: one section shaped by a steadily expanding bass line anchored in the low register, another defined by a simple four-note bass figure that moves melodically up and down. These elements create a sense of constant motion within a restrained, transparent texture.

A contrasting central section introduces a sudden change of harmonic focus and energy, reducing the material to its essentials before gradually leading back toward the opening tonal area. The piece concludes with a quiet yet intense outro, marked by sustained rolls in wide register spacing, demanding both control and physical reach from the performer.

Throughout the work, the full range of the marimba is explored, from the lowest register to the highest, with an emphasis on long melodic lines, register balance, and a continuous sense of forward movement. Threnos is contemplative and lyrical in character, but driven by an inner momentum that carries the music toward its final resolution.