What's That Instrument? Marimba Edition

By Alexander Hough in Arts & Entertainment on May 11, 2009 8:15PM

If you're not familiar with the marimba, check out the eight marimbists, bassist, and percussionist of Marimba Nacional de Concierto perform folk, popular, and contemporary music at the Cultural Center tonight and the Old Town School of Folk Music on Wednesday.

The marimba is a tuned percussion instrument with wooden keys laid out like a piano that typically spans four to five octaves. Because of the larger keys and resonators, and because it's struck by softer mallets, the marimba is the mellower brother of the xylophone, producing a beautiful, sustained, warm sound. The marimba is most common in Central America, but over the past one hundred years it has made its way into Western genres, from classical to jazz to pop.

The origins of the marimba are murky and contentious. The most common theory, based on the similarities between Central American and African versions of the instrument, as well as the Bantu root of the word "marimba," is that it was brought to the Americas by African slaves. However, because the marimba was found in the Guatemalan highlands inhabited by indigenous people, and because the marimba didn't appear in other areas where slaves were brought (for example, the U.S.), a countering theory - one tied to Guatemalan nationalism - is that the instrument has Mayan, pre-Hispanic origins. (Seeing as how the concerts are being supported by the Mayan Folkloric Organization of Chicago, and since the ensemble's name translates to "The National Marimba Ensemble," discuss these theories at the shows at your own risk.)

What is indisputable is the significance of Guatemala's national instrument to the country's culture and identity, as well as the fact that these concerts are well worth seeing. The show tonight at the Cultural Center is free. Wednesday's show at the Old Town School will run you $20.

And if you really like the marimba, the Mayan Folkloric Organization will teach you how to play. Classes take place every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. E-mail info@mayanfolkloric.org for more info.

Preston Bradley Hall at the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, tonight at 7:00 p.m., free. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, Wednesday, May 13, at 8:30 p.m., $20, $18 Old Town School Members, $16 Seniors and Children.