Torch
by Gene Fambrough
Over the years, I have come to realize that other than rhythm, the elements of music that interest me the most are harmony, timbre, and texture. This piece serves as an exploration of these aspects within the constraints of a minimalistic approach to the solo marimba. From the closeness of the tone cluster, to the loneliness of the single pitch, to the openness of the perfect fifth and octave, common-tone relationships between various major and minor chords are explored in non-functional progressions; whether or not you hear a melody is your decision and yours alone.
The torch is a common emblem of both enlightenment and hope. Thus the Statue of Liberty, actually “Liberty Enlightening the World”, lifts her torch. Crossed reversed torches were signs of mourning that appear on Greek and Roman funerary monuments—a torch pointed downwards symbolizes death, while a torch held up symbolizes life, truth and the regenerative power of flame. The torch is also a symbol used by political parties, for instance by both Labour (from 1918 to 1980) and the Conservatives (from 1983 to 2006) in the UK, and the Malta Labour Party. In the seals of schools in the Philippines, the torch symbolizes the vision of education to provide enlightenment to all the students.
It can also symbolize the feelings you have for another, as in “holding a torch” for someone that holds a special place in your heart.
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