Although the marimba repertoire is relatively young compared to other instruments, the first thing that came to mind was having the marimba represent some archaic idea. It reminded me of the cartoons where the characters would hit dinosaur bones with sticks, and it would sound like a marimba. I took that primitive trope and ran with it. The opening introduces us to the first motif of an open fifth, resembling older harmonic language. The main melody itself is straightforward: a four-part harmony, chorale-style. A secondary groovier theme is added in the mix to contrast this very stoic melody. The whole form is then repeated, with added speed and intensity, eventually reaching its climax. When the dust settles, it subsides back into the first open fifth motif.

From Thomas’s Program Note