The Green Road by Mark Ford

Instrumentation: Marimba 5 Octave

"This advanced, unaccompanied four-mallet solo is an introspective composition that captivates both the performer and the listener through its compelling sonic honesty and harmonic/melodic transparency. Commissioned by and dedicated to Akiko Iino-Goto (one of Ford's graduate percussion students at the University of North Texas), the title refers to a childhood memory of Ford in his native Virginia in which a country road that led to a special relative's house was lined with green foliage and trees in the summertime. Having heard the composer perform this work live on two occasions, this reviewer is awestruck with the piece's resemblance to Ford's "Polaris." Although "The Green Road" has more of a reverence in its overall eight-minute ambience, there is ample challenge in the complete dexterity of the control of four-mallet technique on a five-octave marimba. "The Green Road" is suitable for a very advanced college or professional marimbist. It should have lasting appeal in the 21st century unaccompanied marimba repertoire." - Jim Lambert Percussive Notes, October 2008 Description written by