Painted Sky

by David Nelson

Medium-Advanced Concert Percussion

11 Players

Instrumentation: 

• Chimes
• Crotales (2 octaves)
• Glockenspiel
• Xylophone
• 2 Vibraphones
• 2 Marimbas — (1) low A, (1) low F
• Piano
• 5 Timpani (32”, 29”, 26”, 23”, 20”)
• Drums — snare drum, concert bass drum
• Cymbals — 2 or 3 suspended cymbals, China cymbal, hi-hat, hand cymbals, finger cymbal (1), ride cymbal, sizzle cymbal
• Accessories — 2 mark trees (or sub with other metal wind chimes), 4 triangles (different sizes/pitches), temple blocks (5)

Painted Sky by David Nelson is a medium-advanced percussion ensemble piece scored for 11 players. Inspired by the tranquil beauty of a sunrise, Nelson paints a musical depiction of calm serenity that soon gives way to the bustle of everyday life. 

Composed with a focus on color, pacing, and shared responsibility across the ensemble, the work leans just as much into atmosphere and texture as it does into intricate linear passages. Players should be comfortable navigating changing roles as melodic material, supporting figures, and coloristic effects move fluidly around the setup. A snare drum performer capable of a high degree of dynamic control must be present to drive the work through its busier moments.

With its variety of expressive moods and textures, Painted Sky truly showcases what a skilled percussion ensemble can deliver to an audience.

This piece ships as a fully bound score. Individual parts come exclusively in PDF format.