Taken Away (for solo vibraphone)

Taken Away is totally a dampening etude.  I used dampening tricks I learned from Jake Chapman and I expanded upon the ideas.  Starting at the bottom of the instrument with a group of clusters and then muting the bottom note while adding a note on top is a great effect!  Then I just found ways to resolve some of the chords or clusters of notes. 

Taken Away as a title is playing with the fact that we are taking away notes on the vibraphone when we dampen.  Something that is very special and unique.  It also is connected with the subject of being taken away from a home or being told you are moving and being taken away from your friends.  Such a sad feeling that I grew up experiencing numerous times.

But, change is inevitable and we should embrace moving to a new place or being taken away from that home.  The tension of the clusters will resolve, just as the shocking news will become easier to take.  We have found a new home.  A new positive experience awaits us.  Enjoy this technical and emotional adventure in music.

$10