Swan Song

Program Notes

Swan Song, ironic to its name, is Smit’s first marimba solo composition. It is dedicated to Kevin Bobo who taught him composition techniques during his undergraduate studies at Indiana University. Smit states “I owe a lot to him for recognizing in me an interest in composing and working with me to develop that skill.”

Completed in February of 2019, Swan Song has a constant forward motion throughout the piece. There is a steady build of energy with little time for rest for both the audience and the performer. Although the music eventually calms the techniques used by the performer do not, paying homage to the second movement of Bobo’s Two Fountains.