Lightsails

Clif Walker

7 Players

Medium/Advanced Concert Percussion

Instrumentation:

• Crotales(high octave)
• Glockenspiel
• Chimes
• 2 Vibraphones
• 2 Marimbas— (1) low A, (1) 5-octave
• Drums— concert bass drum
• Cymbals & gongs —China cymbal, hi-hat, ride cymbal (flat), sizzle cymbal, splash cymbal, 4-5 suspended cymbals, tam-tam, Remo Spoxe (or Zil-Bel or other large resonant metal)
• Accessories— bell tree, finger cymbal, mark tree, triangle, wooden plank

In 2017, the world was captivated by the discovery of ‘Oumuamua – a celestial wanderer from beyond our solar system. Its elongated shape and mysterious origins were so unique that they sparked speculation. Scientists pondered: could it be an artificial creation? Might ‘Oumuamua be something akin to a lightsail—a spacecraft propelled by the radiation pressure (or “wind”) from stars, originating from a distant, advanced civilization?

Lightsails (‘Oumuamua) by Clif Walker provides a soundtrack for this intriguing encounter, employing a range of techniques on mallet keyboards and metallics. Both rhythmically and harmonically dense, Walker masterfully evokes a sense of vast space and wonder, sure to elicit goosebumps and offer a substantial challenge for seven medium-advanced players.

If ‘Oumuamua is truly a creation of an advanced civilization, are they friend or foe?

Lightsails (‘Oumuamua) is available as a professionally bound printed score and comes with individual parts in PDF format for either printing or tablet viewing.