Marimba solo -- "A cricket sang and set the sun" by Blake Tyson

[indujon]

Is this written for a low a?

[Cameroon993]

What marimba are you performing this on? I'll most likley be perfoming this on a Mark Ford marimba and wondering what it will sound like/

[4XxPeNnYxX4]

Good lord. This piece looks fun but it looks like a pain to learn. That's alot of notes.

[poketripper]

Amazing!!! you are very talented



[monkeyrilla5]

hey how difficult is this? I've been playing piano and drums/percussion for about 6-7 years

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@monkeyrilla5 Technically, it's not the most difficult piece in the world, but not the easiest, either. I've heard it performed by professionals, but I've also heard great performances by high school students. The most biggest technical challenges are in the middle section of the piece. The sequential stickings I use can be changed to "doubles" if the torque required for the close intervals isn't quite ready to go yet.

[AcridWaters]

I'm a high school freshman playing this for my solo this year; I love your work. Of your mallets, what would you reccomend for this? I need something softer than IP240s...

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@AcridWaters THanks for playing "cricket." I usually play this piece with BT4's and sometimes use a BT3 in the bass.

[cedalphorn]

trop fort!!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@cedalphorn Thanks!

[DISSODANTS]

this is wonderful, thanks for sharing it.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@DISSODANTS Thanks! And thanks for giving it a listen. I appreciate it.

[GratzWantaCookie]

I just order this solo, are there any recomendations on playing it? I'm a Sophomore in highschool =D

[DesertDustX]

Hey! That was a great performance, I would really like to get my hands on the music for this! I was hoping you could tell me how I could go about doing that??

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@DesertDustX Thanks very much! My compositions are available from Steve Weiss Music in the US and from Southern Percussion in the UK. If you have any problems getting them, please let me know.

[TheNighthawk245]

i miss playing the marimba. hearing this takes me back the high school.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@TheNighthawk245 That's where I got my start playing marimba. Actually, I got my start as a freshman playing a fiberglass xylophone, but my high school finally got a marimba during my junior year.

[meowgir47]

@BlakeTysonMusic Haha, sounds exactly like me.. I played a fiberglass xylophone my freshman year and didn't really touch the marimba until I was a junior! And now I'm working on this solo :)

[bryan770]

This is so beautiful. One of my favorites. I wish I had a marimba so I could play it...

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@bryan770 Thanks very much, Bryan. For what it's worth, I wish you had a marimba, too. In fact, everyone should have a marimba!

[bryan770]

@BlakeTysonMusic Haha you're very welcome! Maybe one day when I'm older and could afford one, who needs a car right? I'm looking forward to your next video!

[TheEsperanza243]

It sounds like something someone would hear in a musical score for an inspirational movie. :) I really love it.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@TheEsperanza243 Thank you! I'm glad to hear that it sounds inspirational to you. That's the idea behind the piece.

[TheEsperanza243]

@BlakeTysonMusic Your welcome. ^_^

[TheEsperanza243]

Wow. You're really good. :)

[AMill215]

....well i know what i'm playing for my honors auditions :]

thank you SO much for posting this!!!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@AMill215 Thanks for taking the time to check it out! Keep me posted if you decide to perform the piece.

[MusiChameleon]

This is very similar to how I play my handpans! I very much like your style!

[drumlinefreak51]

i love to play the marimba. after watching this i made a goal to learn this because it is the best marimba solo i have ever herd in my life. you have inspired me to be the best that i can be. i am a freshmen at my school and not that advanced in four malet yet but i will with determination and inspiration from you thanks

[drumlinefreak51]

@drumlinefreak51 i will probably play this four my solo this year

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@drumlinefreak51 Great! Let me know if you decide to learn it.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@drumlinefreak51 Thanks for your very kind words. Keep me posted.

[drumlinefreak51]

@BlakeTysonMusic hey i ordered music. it should be coming in this next week and then i can start learning it.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@drumlinefreak51 Great! I hope you have fun learning it.

[caracaha]

Nice music for marimba,keep composing good works like this。I'd never heard the sound of Dynasty marimba, so sweet .Did you use microphone for recording?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@caracaha Thank you! I think this was recorded using a Zoom mic.

[heroesfanjole]

can you send me this solo? its so beautiful!!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@heroesfanjole Thanks! I'm glad you like it. This piece, and almost all of my other pieces, are available from Steve Weiss Music in the US and from Southern Percussion in the UK.

[heroesfanjole]

@BlakeTysonMusic thanks!

[TimmLaguna]

Is this a difficult piece to learn?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@TimmLaguna It's not the hardest piece in the world, but the linear stickings in the middle section can take a little work.

[TimmLaguna]

@BlakeTysonMusic I was thinking of purchasing it! I probably will (:

[meganlevegan]

This is so gorgeous - gives me the chills

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@meganlevegan Thanks very much! I really appreciate you taking the time to check out the video.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@davisclemson Thank you very much. I really appreciate you checking out the video.

[hamburger35]

Love listening to this piece so much. Can't wait to play it.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@hamburger35 Thanks very much. Please let me know if you do decide to perform the piece.

[goodwood331]

The 6/8 section is soooo pretty. 

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@goodwood331 Thank you :)

[jimmyboy134]

whats the hardness of the mallets? medium? beautiful piece

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@jimmyboy134 Thanks. Those are BT4's from Pro-Mark. Sometimes I'll use a BT3 in the bass voice with three BT4's on top.

[jagstang2100]

Now that is some talent...awesome

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@jagstang2100 Thanks very much!

[hackymilacky]

Absolutely stunning!!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@hackymilacky Thanks very much for your very kind comment.

[SpagEddy]

Beautifull piece. Thank you for posting!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@SpagEddy Thank you, and thanks for checking it out.

[gshuda22]

One person is deaf.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@gshuda22 Are you referring to the one "dislike"? The piece isn't for everybody, I suppose, and I've got no problem with people that dislike it. Still, I appreciate your support!

[rtpchoruslead]

Simply beautiful.  Fantastic composition.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@rtpchoruslead Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed it.

[UtauReni]

This was absolutely gorgeous... I feel like the emotion you were trying to convey with this piece really came across and it hit me deep. Very inspirational... I can't wait to learn to play this! I plan on purchasing it and playing it at my senior concert this year!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@UtauReni Thank you very much. I hope you have a good time learning the piece. Please keep me posted on your performance.

[mitchellmg1011]

Mr. Tyson, I can honestly tell you that that was the most beautiful and inspirational thing I have ever heard. Never in my life as a middle school percussionist would've I thought such beauty and power could come from an instrument I play almost every day. Your song shows true power, just as how a crickets song can set the sun. This is the type of music that makes me proud to be a percussionist.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@mitchellmg1011 Thanks so much for your kind words! It's good to hear that you're proud to be a percussionist, and I would agree that being a percussionist is pretty great.

[MatthewLorick]

Wonderful music, Dr. Tyson. I am an avid fan of your compositions and enjoy the wonderful stories they tell. Take care

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@MatthewLorick Thanks very much, Matthew!

[cthoren69]

Dr. Tyson...this is beautiful. One of my favorites for sure

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@cthoren69 Thanks for giving it a listen. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[gregstokes17]

beautiful. cant wait to get a copy!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@gregstokes17 Thanks! Let me know if you have any questions once you get the music.

[hayatehotiii]

I was mesmorized the whole way through.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@hayatehotiii Thanks very much!

[idrissofny]

<3 beautiful / bravo :))

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@idrissofny Thank you very much!

[rsophiav]

This is gorgeous music!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@rsophiav Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[berrydiddle]

@MarimbaMagic15 it is written for a 4.3 i've played it on one so i know :) really great peice.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@MarimbaMagic15 You only need a 4.3 for this piece. I try to make everything I write playable on a 4.3 whenever I possibly can.

[ChiaRiaRei]

I absolutely love this piece!!! If you don't mind me asking, what kind of technique is it you use?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@ChiaRiaRei Thanks! I'd glad you like the piece. I play with the Stevens grip (or Stevens-Musser). I'm sure the piece could be played with any grip, but some of the stickings might have to be adjusted.

[18nationarmy]

Hello! Currently working on this piece, for a high school honors program recital...totally in love with it! I'm just having a bit of a hard time from .35-.37 during the section when the left hand does this weird cross over the right...i always fall short of the "B", idk, mayb because i have short arms - being 5'2 has its limitations. :) lol

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@18nationarmy I'm glad you're enjoying the piece...and I'm sorry about those measures :) That middle section is a little harder than most people think. I still have to practice it quite a bit before each performance to make sure nothing goes wrong. Just try to stay relaxed, play lyrically, and don't let the tempo get away from you. It's very easy to rush those linear 16th notes.

Best of luck on the piece. Let me know when and where you're playing it and I'll add it to my website cadendar. - BT

[adambcosgroveFSU]

I LOVE 2:15ish to 3:15, in addition to the whole piece. But that section in particular is my favorite :).

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@adambcosgroveFSU Thanks, Adam!

[adambcosgroveFSU]

I LOVE 2:15ish to 3:15, in addition to the whole piece. But that section in particular is my favorite :).

[dethklok4911]

i order this from steve weiss and got it today. the sides of it came came crumpled b/c of the packaging but i love it so far. its a very musical piece

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@dethklok4911 Thanks very much. I'm glad that you like the piece. Sorry I'm just getting to your comment, and I'm sorry that the piece got damaged in the mail. Hopefully the crumpling wasn't too bad.

[CaptureTheSunBand]

I love this piece a great deal and I just ordered my copy from Steve Weiss. And, just out of curiosity which mallet hardness would you recommend for this piece?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@CaptureTheSunBand Thanks very much! I hope that you enjoy working on the piece. Please let me know if you have any questions about it.

I usually play this piece with BT4's (sometimes I use a BT3 in the bass mallet). I think I'm using all BT4's in the video.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@CaptureTheSunBand Thanks very much! I hope that you enjoy working on the piece. Please let me know if you have any questions about it.

I usually play this piece with BT4's (sometimes I use a BT3 in the bass mallet). I think I'm using all BT4's in the video.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@CaptureTheSunBand Thanks very much! I hope that you enjoy working on the piece. Please let me know if you have any questions about it.

I usually play this piece with BT4's (sometimes I use a BT3 in the bass mallet). I think I'm using all BT4's in the video.

[PETRptAwyURsword]

This sounds so incredibly beautiful. Sincerely, astounding work, Mr. Tyson.

Keep composing.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@PETRptAwyURsword Thanks! I'm very glad to know you enjoyed it.

[dethklok4911]

i need to put together an audition for my college entrance and i want to play this. when i buy it can i get a digital copy or is it a hard copy

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@dethklok4911

It's a hard copy. Available through Steve Weiss Music. Let me know if you have any problems getting it.

Thanks!

[markcruz659]

@BlakeTysonMusic Im currently using your mallets for "Frogs" and i love the sound they give me at the roll section.I want to play this for UIL solo and ensemble but its not on the list

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@markcruz659

Thanks! I'm glad to hear that you like the mallets.

Sorry this piece isn't on the list. I'll try submitting it to the committee and see what happens.

[eags4]

Could I purchase a copy of this?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@eags4 Sure. The piece is available through Steve Weiss Music. Let me know if you have any problems ordering it.

[Sharky2491]

I really love this piece, I'm currently working on it myself right now, and even though you didn't have the entire poem in mind when you wrote it, I always think of the last stanza as I'm playing the recap and the rolls at the end.

"A vastness, as a neighbor, came,

A wisdom without face or name,

A peace, as hemispheres at home,

And so the night became."

I'll be performing it at the end of march =)

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@Sharky2491 Thanks. If the end of the poem helps you find the right way to express the end of the piece, that's great. It's always nice to hear the ways that performers and listeners find what the piece means to them.

If you will, let me know your performance date and other information so that I can list it on my website calendar.

Thanks,BT

[schneids02]

This is beautiful! I just ordered this piece, and I can't wait to learn it. Nice work!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@schneids02 Thanks very much! I'm very glad to know that you like the piece. Please let me know if you have any questions about "cricket" and keep in touch about your performances.

[gshuda22]

Discovered your music through my Percussion Ensemble rep. We'll be playing "A Ceiling Full of Stars" this spring. This piece is absolutely gorgeous... I also purchased "Vertical River" and will post a recording when I get it up to performance-level. Thank you for sharing your compositions with us as well as performances. Pretty inspiring to see a composer, the person most familiar with it, play his own piece!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@gshuda22 Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the piece and I'm excited to hear that you're working on Vertical River. If you have any performances of Vertical River, please let me know so that I can list them on my website calendar.

Also, I would really appreciate it if you'd let me know where and when you're playing "A Ceiling Full of Stars."

Thanks again for checking out the video and for your comment.

[gshuda22]

@BlakeTysonMusic Will do! The ensemble playing "A Ceiling Full of Stars" is the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Percussion Ensemble (Tony Falcone) conducting. The concert for that will be April 18th in Kimball Recital Hall. Thanks again!

[dannyTS11]

Wow, this piece is beautiful. I'm picky on marimba solos, and i enjoyed this one. I hope i can eventually find time to learn it.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@dannyTS11 Thanks very much! If you do decide to give it a try sometime, please let me know.

[marimba152013]

I just ordered this solo!! I am soo excited!!! I also ordered some of your mallets, would the Promark BT4's be ok for this piece?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@marimba152013

Thanks! I'm glad you like the piece. BT4's are exactly what I'm using in this recording. I sometimes use a BT3 in the bass mallet depending on the hall and the instrument I'm playing. Let me know if you have any other questions or problems.

[chasc6]

I love this piece, am going to order it when it is back in stock at Steve Weiss. Could I ask what mallets you are using for it? I really like the sound. Thanks, Scott.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@chasc6

Hi Scott,

I'm glad that you like the piece, and I'm sorry that it's out of stock at Weiss. They completely sold out of it at PASIC. I'll get more on the way next week.

The mallets I'm using are from my series (Pro-Mark BT 4's). If I'm performing in a dry hall, I sometimes use a BT3 in the bass mallet to help round out the lower tones.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@drewfj @eric15750 @Johanvibes

Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you enjoyed the piece.

[deathman1222]

Hey Blake i need some assistance with your piece. Im currently progressing through the middle section of your piece,page 3-5, and im having a hard time with the permutations you have written down. do you have any advice of how i can grasp these easier or help me any way?

Thanks, Dylan.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@deathman1222

Hi Dylan,

Thanks for playing "Cricket"! The section you refer to is definitely a challenge. I've spent a lot of time working on those close-interval permutations, and it's still something I have to practice all the time. To develop fluidity and power, I do exercises like scales with the 2341234 sticking(see L.H. Stevens' book for a lot more exercises). Still, before every concert you'll likely find me (with a metronome clicking away on slow 16ths) running that section for accuracy

[eric15750]

all i can say is; i love you.

[Johanvibes]

Beautiful piece,very nice playing too !!

[drewfj]

Wow...incredible, just incredible. I have goosebumps.

[ohhiimKatie]

So,, a couple of questions. [:

1. Do you think this would be good for a festival like P.A.S. or something?

2. What difficulty level do you think this is?

3. How big does the marimba need to be for this?

Thanks so much! I love this piece.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@ohhiimKatie Thanks for the comment. I'm really glad that you like the piece.

1-Possibly. It may not have the obvious virtuosic appeal that often wins in such competitions. For ex.- I wrote Anubis for a student to play at I&E and it's technical requirements are more obvious. Still, it could work.

2-Not sure what number to assign. It may be a little more difficult than it seems, but far from impossible. The middle section will take some slow, patient practice.

3-You need a 4.3 octave marimba.

[avivagabriel]

This is the best music I've heard all day (if its visceral and spiritual effect is any indication)...and I've been listening to new music for 12+ hours. Now that I've heard yours, I think I can rest now... Thank you! It's quite amazing, both your composition, and your execution. Just the sounds I was hoping to hear, Blake.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@avivagabriel Thanks for your kind words. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[smshnk2010]

This marimba piece is now on my top list for solos. Planing on learning it=]

[McKeeDee]

im a fan!

i might just have to order this piece!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@McKeeDee Thanks! Steve Weiss should have plenty of copies, but if you have trouble getting it, please let me know.

[fruitloopie112]

So, this is basically one of the prettiest marimba solos I've ever heard. I fell completely in love with it and plan on doing it for my college auditions in August! I just bought it off steveweiss =] Great job!!!

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@fruitloopie112 Thanks for your kind words. I hope that you have a good time learning the piece. Please keep me posted on any performances.

[MattsaMarimba]

Moving and Ethereal. Excellent Composition.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@MattsaMarimba Thank you, and thanks for taking the time to check out the video.

[AfterTheRainDiesaway]

I like this piece a lot! It is very peaceful to listen to:). The only thing i dislike is almost the exact same rhythm/ notes for Michael Burritt's October Night at the (5min mark) in your chorale/ largo section. Although,i love the beginning of October Night. Also the beginning sounds like the a part in the rhythm X show this year. Overall I love this piece:)

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@AfterTheRainDiesaway Glad you like the piece! While I don't hear any overt reference to October Night, I would never deny Mike's influence on me as both a teacher and as a friend.

I'm not very familiar with the Rhythm X show, but Palmetto Percussion did use "cricket" as part of their show this past season.

[BlakeTysonMusic]

Thanks to all for your very kind comments.

[zildjiandawg]

What mallets did you use?

[BlakeTysonMusic]

@zildjiandawg

I think I used all Blake Tyson 4's (BT4's) from Pro-Mark for this recording. Sometimes I use a softer mallet in the bass (usually a BT3).

[slitherzpin]

all i have to say is...... beautiful.....

[vintageludwig]

Simply astounding! this is a brilliant piece.

[ChrisDPercussion]

amazing piece! a very moving performance.

[tnifty]

Beautiful piece and wonderful performance!