Unique Marimba Sound

While the marimba may be new on the scene by comparison to other instruments, it is certainly clear why its popularity has skyrocketed since its introduction; its one-of-a-kind sound! The marimba’s rosewood bars provide an incredible tone unlike any other, which is why rosewood is often referred to as “wood that sings”, and the instrument’s perfectly-tuned resonators amplify and carry that unique song to its audience. Plus, with an average range of four or five octaves, and the opportunity to use four mallets at a time when playing (for those that can, we applaud you!) the combinations of notes, duration, pace, and dynamics, among other factors, are seemingly endless! This point is beautifully punctuated by professional marimba

Clearly, both those who can play the marimba know it well, and can articulate the beauty of its sound. Below are some of our favorite quotes from some very talented professional marimba artists:

“The sound of the marimba is friendly to the human ear” –Katarzyna Mycka ^[1]

"This is an instrument with a huge dynamic range, and one that can sing with the beauty and innocence of a child or with the aggression of a rock band!" –Daniella Ganeva ^[2]

“I can feel my emotion flowing through the instrument and bursting forth into the beautiful, warm wooden sounds of my favorite music.” –Eriko Daimo ^[3]

How does marimba music affect you? Maybe you have a favorite marimba quote? Share it with us in the comments section!


1. "Eriko Daimo." Marimba One. Retrieved Oct 2, 2012. 2. "Biography." Daniella Ganeva. Retrieved Oct 2, 2012.

The Versatility of Marimba Music

While the marimba has long history, it has only emerged in Western music within the last hundred years. Still, even in such a short period the marimba has been introduced into both new and old musical works and has crossed musical barriers, making its way into a variety of different genres.^[1] Of course, the marimba still holds firm as the symbol and star of traditional Guatemalan music. Indeed, the Guatemalan waltz “Luna de Xelajú,” originally composed by Paco Pérez in 1942 and featuring the marimba has been performed by most of the great musicians of the country, and has developed into something of an unofficial anthem for the people.^[2][3]



Additionally, the marimba has not just become a background instrument in concert ensembles. The talent of professional marimba musicians has put the instrument in the spotlight and has made it the standout of concertos. Here is one of our favorites:



So tell us your favorite marimba piece! Which do you enjoy playing the most? Maybe a favorite marimba performance video to share? We want to hear it!


1. “What is a Marimba Concerto?” wiseGEEK. Retrieved 26 Sept 2012. 2. Rodriguez, Jazmine. “Sounds of Guatemala: The Marimba.” Roots and Wings International. 29 Sep 2011. Retrieved 26 Sept 2012. 3. “Music of Guatemala.” EconomicExpert.com. Retrieved 26 Sept 2012. Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGtuR5_4EcY

The History of the Marimba

While the true origin of the marimba is a debated topic, many historians believe the instrument has its roots in Africa, taking its inspiration from instruments such as the balafon or the gyil, both wooden-keyed percussion idiophones with gourd resonators. ^[1][2]

It is believed that that one of these idiophones was introduced to Guatemala by slaves around 1600.^[3] From there, the instrument was re-created and the earliest version of the marimba took shape using the African predecessor as an influence. While its exact origins are disputed, it is clear that the marimba was embraced by the Guatemalan culture, crowning it as their national instrument in 1978 and in 1999 declared it a national symbol.^[3] Throughout time it transformed into what we know as the modern marimba, with keys made from beautifully crafted rosewood and meticulously-tuned metal resonators. Introduced to North America in 1908, and sold by 1910^[4], the marimba is versatile, and has been used in a wide range of different genres of music, from jazz, to orchestral pieces, to stunning solo works.

Now we want to know your history with the marimba! When did you first play? How long have you been playing? What is your unique connection with this beautiful instrument?


1.“The Marimba.” All About Mallet Percussion. Retrieved 16 Sept 2012. 2.Naranjo, Valerie. “My Introduction to the Gyil.” Percussive Notes. Dec 1996. Retrieved 16 Sep 2012. 3.Houston, Joy. “The Marimba: A Guatemala National Symbol.” Revue Magizine. Retrieved 16 Sep 2012. 4.“Milestones in the Recent History of the Marimba.” Mostlymarimba.com. 2010. Retrieved 16 Sep 2012. Photos: http://www.marsbands.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/balafon.jpg, http://bluemallet.com/pic-labo/MA-MAO-000001A.JPG

Welcome!

Welcome to Marimba Chat! This blogging site is dedicated to marimba lovers around the globe creating a space where ideas, thoughts, and community can be shared. The ‘Forum’ page is completely open for anyone to create a conversation thread. If there are new songs, products, marimba concerts, or anything else that the marimba community should know about…share it here in the forum!
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