In a Bamboo Cocoon

for solo marimba
ca. 6’00”

In a Bamboo Cocoon (2020) for solo marimba was inspired by the bamboo construction scaffolding that I grew up seeing in Hong Kong. I was always intrigued by their relentless geometry and unseemly stability as they criss-crossed on top of each other to form thousands of squares and rectangles, draped in vibrant green cloth, that would support dozens of people at a time. This piece brings to life the scaffolding's criss-crossing rigidity, and as such, has a cross motif which anchors and develops throughout the piece, akin to how a builder starts with the cornerstones and foundations of a structure and slowly work their way up. The cadenza-like sections depict the tantalizing sensation one must feel high up on the scaffolding for the first time, and serve as a time-lapse, if you will, of its build.

In a Bamboo Cocoon was commissioned by the wonderfully talented percussionist and composer Andrew Bambridge.

Performances: