Sleep-deprived Sunrise, by Brant Blackard

This piece was composed in the Spring of 2020 during a period of many restless nights while living in Rochester, New York. I had made a habit of going on long, directionless walks through the city at night to alleviate the time spent sitting in front of a computer screen. The repetition of daily (and nightly) life can lead to feelings of loneliness or hopelessness but also of a more neutral introspection. This repetition is portrayed in the piece occasionally by literal repetition of figures and rhythms, but also through the cyclical use of its motives. Each movement introduces new motives which then reoccur in various forms throughout the piece. The final movement is a kind of synthesis of the previous movements.

This piece is also a reflection of my deep affection for the vibraphone. Ever since I was first introduced to the instrument, I have loved spending hours just letting the sustain overwhelm a room or playing the bars as soft as possible... I’d like to thank Connor Stevens for letting me spend so much time holding on to his beautiful instrument.

Number of Players: 1

Instrumentation: Vibraphone

Difficulty: Advanced

Duration: 15:46 (I. 3:28, II. 1:54, III. 2:16, IV. 2:08, V. 2:44, VI. 3:16)

Cover Artwork: Brant Blackard