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marimba

File:Marimba_One_4000_Series.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

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The marimba ( ) is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars that are struck by mallets. Below each bar is a resonator pipe that amplifies particular harmonics of its sound. Compared to the xylophone, the marimba has a lower range. Typically, the bars of a marimba are arranged chromatically, like the keys of a piano. The marimba is a type of idiophone.

Key facts

Instrument.name
Marimba
Instrument.image
Marimba One 4000 Series.jpg
Instrument.image_capt
A 5-octave marimba made by Marimba One
Instrument.background
percussion
Instrument.classification
Keyboard percussion
Instrument.hornbostel_sachs
111.212
Instrument.hornbostel_sachs_desc
Set of percussion sticks
Instrument.developed
Mexico , 16th century
Instrument.range
300px|center
Instrument.musicians
See list of marimbists
Instrument.builders
See list of marimba manufacturers

via Wikipedia infobox

Wikidata facts

Image
Esmeraldian (Afro-Ecuadorian) marimba.jpg
Show 4 more facts
Commons category
Marimbas
Hornbostel-Sachs classification
111.212
Commons gallery
Marimba
Sources (3)

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~23 min read

Article

21 sections
Contents
  • Etymology and terminology
  • History
  • Ancient
  • Mexico
  • Central America
  • South America
  • Modern
  • Construction
  • Bars
  • Range
  • Resonators
  • Mallets
  • Mallet technique
  • Repertoire
  • Orchestra
  • Concertos
  • Solos
  • Popular music
  • See also
  • References
  • External links

The marimba ( ) is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars that are struck by mallets. Below each bar is a resonator pipe that amplifies particular harmonics of its sound. Compared to the xylophone, the marimba has a lower range. Typically, the bars of a marimba are arranged chromatically, like the keys of a piano. The marimba is a type of idiophone.

Today, the marimba is used as a solo instrument, or in ensembles like orchestras, marching bands (typically as a part of the front ensemble), percussion ensembles, brass and concert bands, and other traditional ensembles.

Gallery (42)

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