Che Buford - I have been here before

Che Buford - I have been here before (for solo vibraphone)

Performed by Eric Saroian

Performed on 2/27/2022 in Murray Hall

Program Notes:

‘’I have been here before’’ draws inspiration from the feelings of deja vu, unconsciousness, and dreaming. Musically, I wanted to convey a transition from being unconscious to conscious and finding oneself in a familiar state of being that one has experienced before.

The beginning of the piece is marked “Blurred, Lost, Finding Clarity.’’ It explores the resonance that the vibraphone is capable of while discovering a simple four-note melody. It develops with louder dynamics, bigger chords, and resonant tremolos that represent awakening and consciousness.

The second section marked ‘’Losing consciousness.’’ The music gets gradually slower while the tonality tries to find stability. It then moves into a fast, rhythmic, almost psychedelic mood that represents a state of hallucination and confusion. The meter changes constantly while the notes gradually get blurrier and increase in tension as it repeats multiple times with the pedal down.

Towards the end of the piece, we are reminded of the "unclear, lost" feeling from the beginning. This time, the material and gestures are slightly altered. I hope for this piece to allow one to look inwards and be reminded of their experiences of deja vu.

-Che Buford