Time After Time wascomposed for the Yesaroun’ Duo (comprising multi-percussionist Sam Solomon & saxophonist Eric Hewitt) and marimbist Nancy Zeltsman. Muhly states that he set out to write a piece that was primarily energetic and rhythmicallychallenging enough for two percussionists and one honorary percussionist to play. The title refers to the fact that all the material recycles itself at different speeds. 

The Marimba’slong,quasi-chorale lines proceed, initially, without noticing the rhythmic shifts and upheaval below. Halfway through the piece, a jagged Marimba solo features the instrument’s precise, dance-like qualities, and after being joinedby the Saxophone and Percussion, propels the whole ensemble towards the rhythmic and harmonic excesses of the final section.