Click HERE for MIDI reference/score preview (Ensemble Version B)
 
Let the rain is inspired by a poem by Langston Hughes called “April Rain Song,” in which one of America’s most musical poets concludes “I love the rain.”  So do I.  Some of my best memories are are of warm Spring rains when everybody else ran for cover and I got to experience the misty magic by myself.  Let the rain is my attempt to evoke the experience of getting caught in the rain, but choosing to embrace it rather than seeking shelter, and how it reminds me that I’m just a part of nature.
 
Let the rain is a great feature for a talented vibraphonist, accompanied by an ensemble (with or without a conductor) in various possible configurations.  It could be performed by an intermediate percussion ensemble (with a more advanced vibes player), or by an advanced or college group as a quick learn.  Let the rain spends most of its time on the softer end of the dynamic spectrum, so much of the challenge is in the realm of control, tone, and ensemble playing, in addition to fluid transitions between simple and compound meter. The piece is supplied here in two ensemble versions:
 
Ensemble Version A combines triangle, windchimes, and glockenspiel in part II, and combines marimba and suspended cymbal in part V.  This original version can be used for duo, trio, quartet, and quintet performances.
 
Ensemble Version B splits part II into IIa (triangle, windchimes) and IIb (glockenspiel) and provides additional material for both.  It also splits part V into Va (marimba) and Vb (suspended cymbal) and provides additional material for Vb.  Although these part names are maintained for simplicity, the score order is adjusted for convention.  This expanded version can be used for trio, quartet, quintet, sextet, and septet performances.
 
Various configurations for performance with groups of different size and different mixes of ability are suggested, although you may find your own hybrids as well!