Satoyama

Satoyama (2015) for two marimbas takes its title from a Japanese word evoking the idea of a “journey” or a harmonious landscape between mountain and village. Deeply influenced by minimalism, this three-movement work is characterised by its obsessive rhythmic drive, relentless energy, and demanding virtuosity, yet it never loses sight of poetic nuance.

• The first movement begins with a brief, improvisatory prelude, soon giving way to a breathless dialogue in sixteenth notes between the two marimbas. This motoric exchange eventually subsides, yielding to a quiet recollection of the opening prelude.
• The second movement, more dramatic in nature, is founded upon a persistent bass ostinato over which a lyrical and expressive line gradually unfolds, evoking a sense of inner tension and release.
• The final movement introduces several contrasting elements that progressively interweave and accumulate, building towards a brilliant and exhilarating conclusion.

Written for and dedicated to Pierre Quiriny and Antoine Dandoy, who gave the world premiere in 2015, Satoyama stands as a striking addition to the contemporary marimba repertoire, poised to join the ranks of seminal works such as Steve Reich’s Nagoya Marimbas.