SATURDAY
for marimba solo
Publisher: C. Alan Publications (2025)
Composed: 2025
Duration: 3’50”
Difficulty: Medium
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Some things are best left uncomplicated, kind of like a wide-open Saturday — finish up a project or two, take a nice walk, and maybe run an errand or do a quick chore. Be sure to include as much time as possible with friends or family, enjoying good company and, hopefully, some good food. Each of the three ideas for this marimba solo were cultivated during several improvisation sessions on one such wide-open Saturday.

The opening theme moves stepwise between three diatonic minor-seventh chords and should be played in a completely relaxed and fluid manner. The second theme is a bit more tuneful, but it again relies on mostly stepwise motion between a handful of simple chords, while also incorporating some chromaticism. The final theme plays with a two-against-three rhythmic idea and more chromatic interplay but still by means of mostly stepwise motion. After a reprise of the second theme with a few chordal embellishments, the piece returns to the opening relaxed and fluid statement before a brief codetta with fleeting nods to the second and third themes. Saturday is a comfortable solo for 4-octave marimba that should bring enjoyment to both the performer and audience.