MARIMBA

The Marimba is an old but still used musical instrument in the percussion family. Its a type of xylophone but with lower and also broader tonal range and resonators.Xylophones were first used in West and Central Africa and then introduced as Marimba (many single-bar xylophones) in the 16th or 17th century in Central America. They are mostly mad of rosewood and padouk that are two types of wood, or synthetic material that although its not as good quality as pure wood, its more suitable for outdoor use because of its good weather resistance. Although they were created in Africa, today the Marimba is especially popular in Guatemala with the marimba bands, and where they are the national symbol of culture. Some classical and famous marimba performers are Keiko Abe (born in 1937 and also a Japanese composer), Ruth Stuber Jeanne (born in 1910 and also violinist, percussionist, and arranger), Jack Imel (born in 1932 and also singer, dancer, and television producer), and Colin Currie (born in 1976). There are also many classical works like for example, ´´Feel the Sunlight for Marimba solo´´, of Ludwig Albert, and ´´The Library of Babel´´, for two five-octave marimbas, of David A. Jaffe. As you can see marimbas are not a very popular instrument but are still common in places like Guatemala and Africa.