Daphne's Nocturne

Gabe Musella

General Info

Year of Published: 2026
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Difficulty: Intermediate
Duration: 00:07:00
Cost: Score and Parts - $0.00   |   Score Only - $0.00

Instrumentation

Percussion Ensemble

Player 1: Crotales
Player 2: Glockenspiel & Chimes
Player 3: Vibraphone 1
Player 4: Vibraphone 2
Player 5: Marimba 1
Player 6: Marimba 2
Player 7: Marimba 3
Player 8: Timpani
Player 9: Suspended Cymbal & Ride Cymbal & Splash Cymbal & Sizzle Cymbal & Ice Bell
Player 10: Suspended Cymbal & Tambourine & Snare Drum & Mark Tree
Player 11: Sleigh Bells & Egg Shaker & Bongos
Player 12: Shaker & Cajón & Rainstick

Program Notes

Daphne's Nocturne was commissioned by the Liberty Hill High School Percussion Ensemble and their conductor, Justin Zimerman, on the occasion of their selection to perform at the 2025 Music For All National Percussion Festival in Indianapolis. It is dedicated to his daughter. The work incorporates a Brahms lullaby, "Sleep Baby Sleep," Stephen Foster’s "Beautiful Dreamer," and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" with original material to create a graceful, elegant texture set mostly in compound time.

The use of a handbell choir and soft rhythmic instruments aids in creating a dreamy, mesmerizing atmosphere. The work begins with the Brahms canon set to mimic a music box or carillons a musique which translates into “chimes of music.” This orchestration, always in A major, returns in the middle and at the conclusion of the piece. The surrounding segments, in d minor, utilize fragments of the aforementioned works. The music should flow like water and remain lyrical at all times.

The composer is grateful to Mr. Zimerman, a Spring High School alumnus, for the opportunity. Mr. Musella also thanks long-time associate Brenden Steber for his assistance with this project.

Recent Performances

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Works for Percussion by this Composer

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