As Above, So Below
As Above, So Below delves into the universe of Norse mythology. The three-movement work for percussion orchestra centers on Yggdrasil, the “Tree of Life,” with branches that extend to all nine of the worlds that make up the Norse mythological universe. The tree’s three roots connect three of these worlds—Asgard, Niflheim, and Jötenheim—which make up the three movements of the piece.
Medium: Percussion Ensemble (12 + piano)
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Composed: 2017
Duration: 13:30 (3:45, 4:45, 5:00)
Difficulty: Grade 5
Commission: Woodbury High School (MN), + Consortium
Instrumentation
Percussion 1: Bells, 2 Triangles (laid flat on egg crate foam)
Percussion 2: Xylophone, Crotales [2 octaves], Chimes, 2 Triangles (laid flat on egg crate foam)
Percussion 3: Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 4: Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 5: Marimba (4-octave), Low Drum (may share marimba with Percussion 8)
Percussion 6: Marimba (4.3-octave), Low Drum
Percussion 7: Marimba (4.3-octave), Low Drum
Percussion 8: Marimba (5-octave), Low Drum (may share marimba with Percussion 5), Large China Cymbal
Percussion 9: Timpani (4 drums), Sizzle Ride, Claves
Percussion 10: Bongos, 2 Congas, Snare Drum, Large Rainstick, 2 Hardwood Planks
Percussion 11: 4 Concert Toms, Hi-Hat, Crash Cymbal, China Cymbal, Djembe, 2 Hardwood Planks
Percussion 12: Concert Bass Drum, Kick Bass Drum (laid flat or Multi-Drum), Tam-Tam, Log Drum (4 pitches)
Piano
Program Notes
Commissioned by the Woodbury High School Percussion Ensemble, Branden Steinmetz, director, As Above, So Below delves into the universe of Norse Mythology. Each of the three movements in this 16-1/2 minute work explores a different mythological Norse world – Asgard: The Home of the Gods, Niflheim: The World of Ice & Mist, and Jötenheim: The Land of the Giants.
