Sweet Dreams and Time Machines by Michael Burritt

Performed by Ivan Trevino and Michael Burritt in Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music
Sweet Dreams and Time Machines (2017) is dedicated to the memory of my friend, colleague and former Dean of the Eastman School of Music, Doug Lowry. There isn’t a week that goes by at Eastman when I don’t think of Doug, from the time I interviewed with him for the position at Eastman to Doug introducing me as “Buzz Saw” Burritt after a memorable performance with the Eastman Wind Ensemble in Chicago. Doug was a person who always allowed you to feel yourself in his presence through his warm demeanor and casual sense of humor.
There are no time machines, outside of science fiction novels and movies. True time machines are the memories we carry with us of people and moments shared. I find some memories so poignant that you can almost step into them, almost as though you are living that moment again. Sweet Dreams to those who have passed, touched us forever, and live eternally in our time machines.
Sweet Dreams and Time Machines [for Anna]
by Kelsey Peterson
I thought I saw you down the hall
There is a door closed with a light behind it
But it could not be you, friend
A door, closed
It has been so long since I have seen you
A light
I remember you so completely
The door is large and dark
That I could almost lay my hand on you again
Behind it, light
Should I see you
At the end of the hall
I imagine you refreshed, as though
A great door
Had opened, pouring
Light
Upon your face

[@Dannyhaleperc]

It’s ridiculous how people can make pieces like this, such a masterpiece

[@shadowchasers62]

Danny Hale thanks for the kind words

[@MillerAugust]

I am from GalIcIa, northwest of SpaIn. I always loved contemporany percussIon musIc, and I stIll remembered that percussIon pIeces I had the oportunIty of lIstenIng In a hall concert, as Rebonds A by XennakIs or TakemItsu´ RaIn Tree. ThIs pIece, Sweet Dreams and Time Machines, or another one WhIte PInes are very ImagInatIve, energy, medItatIve, fantastIc musIc!

[@shadowchasers62]

Thanks so much for the very kind words Denis! Much appreciated!!!

[@Scriabinfan593]

Yesss ive been waiting for another Micheal and Ivan duet :)

[@shadowchasers62]

So glad you enjoy the music!

[@smoouve-_-2490]

This is absolutely one of my favorite duos to date. There's absolute sophistication in the permutations and chord structures, and it’s astounding. Quite honestly I was smiling and reminiscing throughout the entire piece. Excellent work man, definitely going to consider this piece for performance at a concert sometime!

[@shadowchasers62]

Cameron Ohashi thanks for your enthusiasm for the music!

[@jjmarigold2120]

Words fall short on this one Michael, I’m deeply moved by this piece. The cycle of life and the human challenge are translated into music here. Bravo! Encore!

[@ChrisGuarraia]

So very sorry for the loss of your friend and colleague. You truly honor him with your music and your work. Thank you for sharing your talent. My son hopes to go up there for graduate school in about seven years and looks at yours and Ivan's work with high regard.

[@shadowchasers62]

Chris Guarraia thanks! Glad you enjoy the music!

[@benjaminkerger8072]

This piece is transcendental! Absolutely gorgeous work. Definitely one of my favorites!!! I don't know how you do it Mr. Burritt!! Thank you for sharing such wonderful works. Your technique and artistry really comes through in what you write. This and White Pines are up there in some of my favorite percussion pieces.

[@shadowchasers62]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@Purpatory]

It's been one year since this masterpiece was uploaded... words cannot express what this song does for my soul. Thank you, Michael.

[@shadowchasers62]

Mason thanks so much for the kind words about the music!

[@markpridemore7603]

I read the poem in the description over and over again in different emphases meditating on my mentor and piano teacher that we lost to cancer last August. I think of him regularly, and I am quite certain I would call him every other week to tell him about my new adventures and successes as a music major. Beautiful piece, figures that I hear it the very same week I'm learning Catching Shadows

[@shadowchasers62]

Mark Pridemore thanks for the comment!

[@nachomarimba]

Beautiful music Mr. Burritt! And great interpretation from both of you! 👏🏼👏🏼 Bravi!

[@shadowchasers62]

Ricardo Orozco thanks!

[@user-sl9gf5kf3l]

優しい闇に眠るにはイイ曲だ。 素晴らしい。　職場の昼休み、聴いてます。　ありがとう。

[@michaelandrewnewell]

I absolutely love this; so much emotion. I can see a story unfolding in my mind.

[@shadowchasers62]

So glad you enjoyed it Michael!

[@michaelandrewnewell]

Michael Burritt it really is awesome!

[@KeWDu]

This piece and performance is already amazing as just music, but when you understand the meaning behind it, it makes it so much better. You really can feel emotions in the music. I'm just a student, and I never knew Doug, but I can imagine the imagery of him when I listen. Truly great work, Mr. Burritt.

[@shadowchasers62]

Thanks for the comment!

[@michaelcorts1870]

I can't wait to perform this at my recital!

[@shadowchasers62]

Do it!!!

[@carbonc6065]

Awesome.

[@hellosethhuckensin6590]

cool I like it

[@avaperry8498]

1:07 is my favorite part love this part

[@avaperry2788]

1:08 is my favorite part. And my band Teacher showed me this!!!

[@maciejbogdaniec6298]

it's so beautiful it doesn't deserve 3k viewes. It deserves so much more.

[@shadowchasers62]

I’m so happy that you enjoy the music! Thanks for the comment!

[@TheEverlong12]

A tour de force masterpiece! 👏👏👏👏

[@shadowchasers62]

Thanks Hector!

[@JKoester713]

This duets amazing!! Love all your work!!

[@shadowchasers62]

Thanks Joshua! Appreciate your kind words about the music!!!

[@alsaulso1332]

beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shadowchasers62]

Thanks for listening!

[@simipomv1575]

I still listen to this, and it gives me chills every time. What were you going through when you made this? I cannot imagine! Thank you, MIchael.

[@shadowchasers62]

I was just reflecting on the person and how much I enjoyed and was thankful for knowing him for a time! Thank you for listening!

[@opem1383]

What are the mallets used? So nice to be able to listen to another duet from you guys.

[@shadowchasers62]

Zachary Toth I’m using Malletech MB 8’s with an MB 5 in the bass. I believe Ivan is using MB 13’s. Happy to know you enjoy the music!

[@simipomv1575]

What Ivan is playing at 1:41 - 1:51 where have I heard that before? Great performance, made me cry watching it.

[@Dannyhaleperc]

There’s a section from Ivan’s duet “into the air” that plays with high octave dissonance like that

[@dupuiscl22]

I absolutely love this piece, and each time I listen to it there is always something new I hear that is so genius to a mallet player. I just have one question, is there a way that this piece can be played for two 4.3 octave marimbas? (with transcribing)

[@maorero]

Congratulations !! Great job!! An exquisite performance, with great precision and phrasing. How could I buy the sheet music? Thank you.

[@avaperry8498]

Ivan is playing Crotales

[@joebisbey4521]

I miss playing so much. This one is so beautiful (as is your marimba!) I got an outstanding soloist award for October Night back in 1994. Your music is an important part of my life, Mr. Burritt! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@jacobpresnall736]

Catching Shadows 2.0

[@isaiahmumaw]

Can hear a trumpet in the background around 3:40. Excellent performance though!