Merlin: between the keys

Merlin is a ten-minute solo marimba piece written in two movements. Since its premier in 1985, Merlin has become a well-known standard of the percussion repertoire. The composer, Andrew Thomas, included two short excerpts from the poem "Merlin" by Edwin Arlington Robinson, which are meant to add meaning to the music. This paper will delve deep into the compositional process of Merlin, including historical reasons for inclusion of the text on the score of the manuscript. I will also investigate a few of the performers of the Merlin, including John Parks IV and William Moersch, who commissioned the work. There will also be analysis on the preparation required for the performance, including analytical and technical demands from their perspectives and my own. I will also discuss errata and audience reception of the work.