Works for six mallets

Here you will find an updated list of works for 6 mallets – if you know works not listed here please let me know ks@marimba.dk – thanks!

 

LITERATURE FOR MULTIPLE EXTENDED
MALLET PERFORMANCE

by Dr. Timothy Jones
The literature contained in this chapter is, although extensive, somewhat incomplete. Many jazz pieces that may be performed with extended mallet techniques are not included due to their improvised nature. It is also impossible to locate every single work from all continents and composers, especially if the work is not published; therefore, a few works may not appear in this collection. Finally, there is of course music constantly in the process of being composed which will ultimately extend this list.
I have deliberately avoided using graded levels for the following works, as that method can be misleading. I have found that a few brief comments about the content of each piece is the best approach to providing the reader with a realistic insight into the attributes of the works. The works have been arranged alphabetically by composer and include the title, publisher (if available), instrumentation, brief comments and the duration.

 

Works with * added by Kai Stensgaard 2008

ABE, KEIKO

Galilee Impressions for Six Mallets*

Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Itsuki Fantasy for Six mallets (1993) – Xebec Music Publishing Co.
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Unique variation of a Japanese traditional song. Development of rhythmic motives and patterns, comfortable intervals between mallets, short chorale section and exaggerated dynamics.
Duration: 6:20

Prism Rhapsody for Marimba and Orchestra (1995) – Xebec Music Publishing
Prism Rhapsody for Marimba and Wind Ensemble
Instrumentation: Two, four and six-mallet marimba solo with orchestra.
Comments: This works is derived from the Conversation in the Forest II and Prism solos. It is in two sections featuring six mallet performance techniques in the first half and an impressive cadenza. A piano reduction is also available.
Duration: 15:30

Wind Across Mountains (1992) – currently not published (Xebec)
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Vast dynamic range, explores close note clusters and large interval leaps with strong rhythmic emphasis and melodic phrasing.
Duration: 6:30

ALBERT, LUDWIG
Let’s Dance (1998) – Beurskens Muziekkuitgeverij
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo (with pod rattles), player two – congas.
Comments: Rhythmical solo based on a Peruvian folk song. Left hand ostinato, right hand development of the melodic statement, single note and block chord lines.
Duration: 2:45

Marimba Moods for 8 mallets (1998) – Beurskens Muziekkuitgeverij
Instrument: Eight-mallet marimba solo
Comments: A simple rhythmic figure caries this solo throughout. Brief eight part chorale, optional improvisation section, single note lines, four six and eight note block chords.
Duration: 6:30

 

AIZAWA, MUTSUKO

*感/Kan ( Impression) for marimba solo with 6 mallets
*信/Shin (Believe) for marimba solo with 6 mallets
*運/Un( Luck) for marimba solo with 6 mallets

BARBER, CLARENCE
Intrada and Episode (1977) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Four (Intrada) and six-mallet (Episode) marimba solo.
Comments: Intrada, short four-mallet chorale. Episode, sixteenth note single voice lines with three note chords briefly ‘comping’ in the right hand. Dedicated to Linda Pimentel.
Duration: 2:50

BROWNING, LEE
Turbulant Track (1997) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Chorale utilizing the 1-5-8 position in both hands. Short independent allegro with independent single strokes.
Duration: 2:00

Diving In (1997) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Demanding triplet independence between hands, integrated sextuplet sixteenths.
Duration: 2:00

September (1997) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Right hand ostinatos, left hand basic independence, repetitive phrases.
Duration: 1:45

Reverie (1997) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Chorale in close voicing and clusters.
Duration: 2:40

Half A World Away (1997) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Chorale mainly in triad and 1-5-8 positions, inner voice moving lines.
Duration: 4:00

BULLA, WESLEY
Danseuses De Delphes (Dance of Delphi) (1977) Claude Debussy, arrangement by W. Bulla – currently not published
Instrument: Five-mallet vibraphone solo, 2 left hand, 3 right hand.
Comments: Extra mallet allows doubling notes in order to maintain the colour and texture of the original. Both hands play melody as well as accompaniment; must maintain smooth internal movement of center mallet in the right hand.
Duration: 2:30

La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin (The Girl with the Flaxen Hair) (1977) Claude Debussy, arrangement by W. Bulla – currently not published
Instrument: Five-mallet vibraphone solo, 3 left hand, 2 right hand.
Comments: Technically an innovative arrangement, the player must use the entire instrument including the outer edges of the bars as well as mallet dampening and pianistic style pedaling. Requires light fluid motion with extensive use of dampening techniques.
Duration: 2:00

La serenade interrompue (The Interrupted Serenade) (1977) Claude Debussy, arrangement by W. Bulla – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet vibraphone solo.
Comments: Left hand ostinatos throughout, sometimes filling in with the right hand melody, articulation and pedaling considerations, constantly moving lines.
Duration: 4:00

Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l’air du soir (The Sounds and Scents Spin About in the Evening Air) (1977) Claude Debussy, arrangement by W. Bulla – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet vibraphone solo.
Comments: Chordal and double stop movement in both hands, complex rhythmic structure, pedaling and dramatic dynamic changes.
Duration: 2:00

Minstrels (1977) Claude Debussy, arrangement by W. Bulla – currently not published
Instrument: Five-mallet vibraphone solo, 2 left hand, 3 right hand.
Comments: Left hand carries the melody while the right executes a ‘grace’ figure; forces the player to use the inside right hand mallet to play parts of the melody.
Duration: 2:30

CABEZAZ, MARCOS

Zoe (2009)* Six mallet marimba solo. Comments: This piece involves advanced independence and endurance from the performer.

Duration: 5:00

CHENOWETH, ROBERT
Etude for 6 mallets (1963) – printed in Percussion News, May1998.
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Premiered by Vida Chenoweth in January 1964.
Duration: Not Known

DOTSON, JAMES
Ritual (1977) – Southern Music Company
Instrument: Four-mallet (three in LH, one in RH) marimba solo.
Comments: Left hand maintains a triad ostinato throughout, short chorale. Dedicated to Ernest Muzquiz.
Duration: 3:00

STACEY GARROP
Womansongs (1998) – self-published by the composer
Instrument: Mezzo-soprano and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Moderately difficult, one-handed rolls, dead strokes, block chords, rolled chords.
Duration: 14:00

 

FITKIN, GRAHAM:

Frame for flute and marimba *

GIESECKE, MARK ANDREAS and W. KOSTOWA
6-Mallet Compendium (1995) – Edition Swiss Music
Comments: 57 pages of technical exercises that develop mallet placement, block chords movement among mallets in both hands, chord inversions and mallet independence. Includes diagrams, descriptions, and a collection of five etudes developing specific areas of six-mallet performance.

Alpha
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Basic independence, arpeggiated single notes and double stops.
Duration: 0:30

Beta
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Hand to hand three note clusters in rhythmical sixteenth note patterns.
Duration: 0:25

Gamma
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Left hand triad accompaniment, right hand ostinato melody, dead-strokes.
Duration: 0:45

Delta
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Continuous hand to hand sextuplets in triad form.
Duration: 0:20

Zeta
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Arpeggiated two mallet solo with one hand three-note chords interspersed within the accompaniment.
Duration: 0:45

GREGORY, PAUL SAN
Into Mist (1996) – currently not published
Instrumentation: Harp and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Fairly difficult, one-handed rolls, two-handed rolls, block
Chords, involved mallet independence. For Robert Paterson.
Duration: 7:30

GRIFFITH, JOAN
Jazz Suite for Marimba (1998) – Pleasing Dog Music.
Instrument: Four and five-mallet marimba solo – 2nd mvt. Five mallets.
Comments: Second movement, December’s Ballad, is a five-mallet chorale, 3 in the left hand and two in the right. Features four types of rolls, mandolin, traditional, Musser and independent (the execution of these roll-types are explained in the performance notes for the work). Evokes the stride piano style. Commissioned by Rebecca Kite
Duration: 10:30

GRONEMEIER, DEAN
2HT2HDL (1996) – Grone Publications
1. Game Risk
2. Trouble In Somewhere
3. Single Man’s Aggression
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Probably the most demanding of Gronemeier’s works for six mallets. This piece is a continuous development of difficult permutations, fast interval changes and physically demanding grooves. It requires a great deal of control among mallets and athletic movement behind the marimba. The extremes of each ‘technical position’ are intertwined with recurring themes throughout the three-movement work.
Duration: 18:00

115th Psalm (1995) – currently not published, available on request from Grone Publications
Instrumentation: Duet for baritone voice and marimba performed with four and six-mallets. Percussion ensemble accompaniment (seven players).
Comments: Text for the baritone comes directly from Biblical verses 1 – 18 of the 115th Psalm. The marimba part is majestic and powerful, involves complex four mallet permutations, and commands a great deal of strength from the marimbist in the six mallet sections.
Duration: 16:00

Coming Home (1997) – Grone Publications
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: A one movement work that includes chorale passages, arpeggiated independence between hands, ostinato grooves, advanced one-handed melodic developments, and a physically demanding final groove section.
Duration: 10:00

Five Short Works (1994) – Grone Publications
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solos.
Comments: Five works which may be played as individual solos, or together as a complete series. Each work focuses on a complete area of six-mallet performance within a musical setting.
Duration: 18:00

Genesis
Comments: Develops ‘first position’ of the ‘Gronemeier’ technique, incorporating one handed rolls, left hand ostinato accompaniment and single note lines.

Cloud Mist
Comments: A chorale in root position triads with some use of ‘first’ and ‘second’ position chords in comfortable intervals. Develops proper hand shape for six mallets and control of rolls.

Distinctive Personality
Comments: Development of one-handed chords in a terraced fashion, fast triplet groove accompaniment to the scale like melody. Both hands trade off playing the accompaniment and melody; athletic workout.

Which Hunt?
Comments: A haunting chorale entirely in the ‘1-5-8’ position. The expanded intervals and continuous rolls develop strength and muscle control. One handed and hand to hand rolls.

Rocatta
Comments: Develops the difficult ‘third position lock’ in both hands, unrelenting sixteenth notes; played with an underlying rock groove at a fast toccata tempo.

Tied By Red (1995) – Grone Publications (2003)
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo
Comments: The battle between man, Satan and temptation are expressed through intricate and dark themes in this work. A barrage of power and musicality are realized through complex permutations, sudden outbursts of dissonance, a majestic chorale, and driving grooves.
Duration: 11:00

HAKI, MICEHL
Aux Animaux (1979) – Publisher unknown
Instrumentation: Marimbas, two performers, each employing four to six-mallets.
Comments: An unusual piece using both standard and non-standard notation. The standard notational sections are interesting and carefully constructed. The non-standard sections leave room for interpretative freedom. Haki suggests the composition is “an abstraction of an idea”: “the serious relationship of man to animal(s).”
Duration: determined by improvisation in the performance.

Stunts and Traces (1997-98) – Non Sequitur Music
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo with tape.
Comments: Four movements, difficult, extensive mallet switching and independence, rhythmically complex.
Duration: 10:45

HAMPTON, LIONEL and Jean-Claude Forestier
The New Vibraphone Method (1981) – Edition Hug & Co., Zurich, Switzerland.
Instrument: Vibraphone.
Comments: A method book focussing largely on two and four mallets, but includes six-mallet exercises, etudes, and descriptions of mallet manipulation and detailed photographs.

HAUSE, EVAN
Circe (2000) – not yet published.
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Commissioned by Rebecca Kite, ‘Circe’ is an amazing contemporary marimba composition displaying virtuosity throughout. The mallet permutations are extremely difficult and the harmonic augmentations require the marimbist to be flexible and athletic. This work is for the marimbist with advanced experience performing with six mallets.
Duration: 10:00

HIRSCHFELD, MAX
Le Polichinelle ‘Punch’ (1935) arrangement, original music by H. Villa-Lobos – Edward B. Marks Music Company.
Instrument: Six-mallet adapted marimba solo.
Comments: Famous piano work that has been adopted by many Mexican marimbists for six mallets. Mostly block chords, hand to hand movement and single note lines.
Duration: 3:00

HIXON, SHIRLEY
Two Scenes for Marimba (1976) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Two movements ‘Flaming Dawn’ and ‘Portrait of Twilight’ both in a chorale style. With the exception of two articulated measures the entire work is rolled; interesting harmonic structure; limited mallet independence.
Duration: 6:00

JENNY, JACK
Ethos (1978) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Dedicated to Linda Pimentel, a moderately paced solo using mallet augmentations typical of Ms. Pimentel’s six-mallet technique; constantly evolving time signatures, close voicings, ending with a slow chorale. Directions for mallet configuration also included.
Duration: 4:00

JONES, TIMOTHY
A Little Italian Song (2001) – sixmallets@hotmail.com
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Develops basic mallet manipulation, one and two-handed rolls.
Duration: 1:30

Tied by Red, Dean Gronemeier, ensemble arrangement by Tim Jones (2001) – sixmallets@hotmail.com
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo with percussion ensemble accompaniment (four percussionists).
Comments: Groove oriented work, advanced independence, difficult permutations, aggressive performance demands, close and extended intervals, only minor variations from the original marimba solo.
Duration: 12:00

Tarantella (2003) – sixmallets@hotmail.com
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Tarantella dance rhythms blended with a Tom Waits style melody; advanced independence, one handed rolls; begins and ends with rolled chorale sections.
Duration: 7:00

Wooden Devil (2000) – sixmallets@hotmail.com
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Groove oriented solo based on a simple developing theme; chorale sections; advanced independence and endurance.
Duration: 8:00

KOSTOWA, WESSELA
Impressia (2001) – Edition www.wesamark.de and GEMA
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Short chorale using first, second and third inversion chords; triplet and sextuplet independent lines. Dedicated to Mark Andreas Giesecke.
Duration: 2:00

LEFKOWITZ, DAVID
Miniature V: All At One Point (1992) – Floating Point Music
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Extremely difficult, mixed mallet sonorities, yarn 1/3 and 4/6, super ball 2 and 5; never more than four mallets struck at once but all six mallets used for different colors, extensive moves from center of bars to nodes. For Robert Paterson.
Duration: 8:00

McCLOUD, DANIEL
Somewhere In-between (1998) – available from the composer
Instrument: Four and six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: ABA form; technical six-mallet B section that requires control and advanced independence.
Duration: 5:30

Transitions (1997) – available from the composer
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo with piano accompaniment.
Comments: Continuously rolled chorale; may be performed with optional string quartet instead of original piano accompaniment.
Duration: 4:00

MARGOLIS, BOB
Three Technical Sketches (1977) – Manhattan Beach Music
Instrument: Four and five-mallets, five-mallets in movement one.
Comments: The first movement, ‘March (Hand Crossings)’ invokes a three note left hand pedal while the right hand commands a rhythmical melody. Some interesting scale runs and performance directions. Third place winner in the 1981-82 Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest, written for marimbist Matthew Becker.
Duration: 5:30

MELLITS, MARC
Paranoid Cheese (2001) – self-published by the composer
Instrumentation: Violin and marimba employing four and six-mallets.
Comments: Six movements, only one movement (“wedge IV”) uses six-mallets. The movement is in a rolled chorale style using mostly six note chords. Commissioned by the Paterson Duo.
Duration: 15:00

MIYOSHI, AKIRA
Torse III (1964) – Ongaku.
Instrument: Four and five-mallet marimba solo, five-mallets in last movement.
Comments: Composed for Keiko Abe, somewhat atonal work with dramatic dynamic changes; unexpected leaps and sporadic rhythms. Five mallets are required in the final movement, but may also be applied to the three note chords in movements one and three. Commissioned by Keiko Abe.
Duration: 7:30

MURASE, HIDEMI

Agglomeration for Marimba – 5 Mallets
MUSGRAVE, THEA
Through a Japanese Landscape (1994) – Novello & Co Ltd.
Instrument: Marimba Concerto with Wind Orchestra.
Comments: A four movement work based on a series of Haiku, Japanese philosophy and art, and nature’s seasons. The marimbist introduces each season (mvt.) with different chimes: bamboo for spring, wood for summer, metal for autumn and glass for winter. The piece incorporates one handed rolls, full range of the five-octave marimba, six-mallets in ‘autumn’ and free floating time textures. First performance featured Evelyn Glennie as marimba soloist.
Duration: 23:00

NANDAYAPA RALDA, ZEFERINO
Método para marimba (1998) – D.R. Dirección General de Culturas Populares
Comments: A complete method for the Mexican style of marimba performance for two, four and six-mallets. Discusses the role of each member of the ‘marimba band’, construction of the instruments, how to overcome various logistical problems, the art of tuning resonators, solo performance, classical and improvising considerations and mallet selection. Development exercises in all areas, etudes and complete works. The following six-mallet works are included.

Baguetofonías
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: A fast paced solo in block chord triads, three against two cross rhythms, chord changes included; utilises the high range of the instrument.
Duration: 4:00

Fantasía Profana
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba or piano solo with orchestra.
Comments: The most complex of Nanayapa’s works, this three movement work requires amazing technical expertise on the part of the marimbist. Each movement segues into the next an involves cadenza-like single note lines; heavily syncopated rhythms, groove sections, ostinatos and a self-accompanied chorale.
Duration: 6:30

Marimboleando
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Single note lines and block chord melody, syncopation and development of a rhythmical theme; chord changes included.
Duration: 2:00

Nandacacué
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Time signature transitions, syncopated rhythms, augmentations of the block chord triad, one handed rolls, fast runs of block chord, six note harmony and fast sixteenth note scale ending.
Duration: 6:00

OSTERFIELD, PAUL
Phantasmal Dawn (1998) – self-published by the composer
Instrumentation: Violin and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Difficult. Some mallet switching, alternating hands, fairly difficult rolls. Commissioned by the Paterson Duo.
Duration: 7:00

PATERSON, ROBERT
Tongue and Groove (2008-09)
for alto saxophone and marimba (six-mallet version

Instrumentation: alto saxophone and five octave marimba (six-mallet version)
Commissioned by CASE Arts Group, Inc. and a Consortium of PerformersUpcoming First World Premiere: Recital, Jeremy Justeson, alto saxophone, Robert Paterson, marimba, March 15, 2009, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, USA.
Publisher: Robert Paterson Music (ASCAP)

Duration: 8’00”

Braids (1998/2000) – Robert Paterson Music
Instrumentation: Violin and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Medium level of difficulty. Extensive use of alternating outer
mallets 1/3 and 4/6; block chords; large rolled section, two-handed rolls, stick clicks on the edge of the bars. Composed for the Paterson Duo.
Duration: 7:30

Duo for Flute and Marimba (1998-99) – Robert Paterson Music (ASCAP)
Instrumentation: Flute, doubling alto flute and piccolo, and marimba employing four, five and six-mallets.
Comments: Moderately difficult. Extensive use of alternating outer mallets
1/3 and 4/6, block chords, one-handed rolls, stick clicks on edge of the bars. Mvt. I employs six-mallets, and mvt. III, five-mallets. Composed for and recorded by Kesatuan Flute and Marimba Duo on “Figures in a Landscape”, Centaur, CRC 2467, 2000.
Duration: 15:00

Fantasia for Tuba & Marimba (1992) – currently not published
Instrumentation: Tuba and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: A difficult work employing mostly five-mallets, some use of six-mallets. Extensive use of three-note block chords in right hand with intervals in left hand; dead-stroke section.
Duration: 6:00

Journey into Courage Film Score/Suite (1994-95) – Robert Paterson Music
Instrumentation: Trumpet, violin, cello, piano, six-mallet marimba, percussion, harp and banjo.
Comments: Basic six-mallet chord structures and lines with the intention of effortless execution. This score was used to accompany the documentary film “Journey Into Courage” (Kingdom County Productions). May be performed in a concert setting as a suite.
Duration: 13:00 (suite)

Links & Chains (1996) – Robert Paterson Music
Instrumentation: Violin and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Medium level of difficulty. Extensive use of alternating outer
mallets 1/3 and 4/6, marimshots (striking the bar with the mallet shaft and head simultaneously), clicking and bouncing mallet shafts
together, block chords and playing on the nodes. Composed for the Paterson Duo.
Duration: 5:15

Mexican Dance No. I (1992) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Gordon Stout/arr. Robert Paterson. Moderately difficult, arrangement of Stout’s first dance with additional notes creating a six-mallet piece.
Duration: 3:00

Merry Go Round (1988-90) – Robert Paterson Music
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Robert Paterson’s six-mallet technique, works and performances stem directly from this piece. Movement from ‘Four Children’s Songs’; may be played as a separate piece. Moderate independence and endurance, comfortable intervals and one-handed rolls.
Duration: 5:00

Postludes Nos. 1-3 (1990-93) – Robert Paterson Music
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: May be played separately. Each postlude loops from end to
beginning, one loops to two, two loops to three; the third postlude is more difficult than first two. Heavy use of alternating one and two mallets in each hand; extensive use of mallets 1/3 and 4/6 as would be played in a four-mallet style.
Duration: 3:00 – each postlude, longer with loops.

Piranha * – Robert Paterson Music

Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo.

Duration: ca. 5’00”

Prisms I and II (1990) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet vibraphone solo.
Comments: From 9 Prisms for Solo Vibraphone. Basic mallet manipulations, extensive use of six-note block chords, alternating hand patterns.
Duration: 3:00

Teddy Bear (1991) – currently not published
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: A movement from Four Children’s Songs. May be played as a separate piece. Advanced independence, alternating hand techniques, alternating one and two mallets in each hand.
Duration: 5:00

PHIBBS, JOSEPH
Spiraling (2001) – self-published by composer
Instrumentation: Violin and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Moderately difficult. Fast melodic passages, block chords. Commissioned by the Paterson Duo.
Duration: 5:00

PIMENTEL, LINDA
Blue Zoo (1980) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: A blues-like etude with movement in the top voice of each block chord. From the ‘Bar Percussion Solo Notebook Vol. Two.’
Duration: 0:30

Out for a Walk, Gretchmaninoff/arr. Pimentel (1980) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Four-mallet marimba solo, 3 in the right hand, 1 in the left.
Comments: A chorale etude of moving right hand chords over a left hand drone. From the ‘Bar Percussion Solo Notebook Vol. Two.’
Duration: 1:00

The Happy Farmer (1976) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Five-mallet marimba solo, 3 in the right hand, 2 in the left.
Comments: Robert Schumann/arr. Pimentel. An etude with left hand moving bass lines, right hand variations on block chords with lines complimenting the melody. From the ‘Solo Marimbist Volume Two.’
Duration: 0:45

Wild Horseman (1976) – Permus Publications
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Robert Schumann/arr. Pimentel. An etude developing independence between individual mallets in each hand; block chord accompaniment. From the ‘Solo Marimbist Volume Two.’
Duration: 1:00

PORTER, JOE

Concerto for Six-Mallet Marimba and Strings (2012): I) Should Have Listened, II) Don’t Worry It’s Alright, III)Maybe It’s Not Alright… IV)Who Cares | Duration: 16 min

Rondena for Six-Mallet Marimba Solo (2015) Duration: 4.5 min

The Grass Hopper Blues, Etude for Six-Mallet Marimba (2013) Duration: 3.5 min

Decisions for Six-Mallet Marimba Solo (2012) Duration: 7 min

Tango the Cat for Six-Mallet Marimba Solo (2011) Duration: 5.5 min

ROBISON, BRIAN
Neo-/meta (2001) – self-published by composer
Instrument: Violin and six-mallet marimba duet.
Comments: Five movements, difficult. Alternating hands, dead strokes, block chords, alternating three-note chords. Commissioned by the Paterson Duo.
Duration: 15:00

RODGERS, BERNARD
Mirage (1958) – Southern Music Publishing
Instrument: Five-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Only three chords require five notes played simultaneously in the entire piece, otherwise a four-mallet work. Written for Vida Chenoweth.
Duration: 5:00

ROSAURO, NEY
Bem Vindo (1988) – Published by Pro Percussão
Instrument: Five-mallet vibraphone solo, 3 mallets in the right hand, 2 in the left.
Comments: The first theme is developed through the majority of the work in variation form, accompanied by Rosauro’s signature rhythmical polytonal ostinatos. Two small motives are introduced towards the end of the work, the first in the Bachiana’s style of Villa Lobos, and the second as a citation of a melody from the Gauchos of South Brazil. This piece is dedicated to the composer’s son Ricardo G. Rosauro.
Duration: 7:30

ROYAL, JEFF
Chase (1992) – not commercially available
Instrument: Four and six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Very difficult. Extremely fast with extensive independence and alternating hand movements; short six-mallet section. For Robert Paterson.
Duration: 5:00

SEJOURNE, EMMANUEL
6 Baguettes (1994) – Editions Fuzeau, France
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Lyrical block chord and single note lines. A good introductory piece to six-mallet literature.
Duration: 2:35

SIFLER, PAUL
Marimba Rondo (1977) – Fredonia Press
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Tasteful use of six-mallets in various places throughout the work. A quasi fugue section and counterpoint with single note lines; dedicated to Linda Pimentel.
Duration: 3:40

STENGERT, GERHARD
Choral fur Carmen (1995) – Gretel Verlag
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: A chorale mostly in root position triads with some inversions. An excellent work for the developing six-mallet marimbist.
Duration: 3:05

STENSGAARD, KAI

The Six mallet Grip (2009)* method for six mallet playing based on the Stevens grip. More than 1200 exercises and link to instruction video. This instruction video can also be found on

Kai Stensgaards DVD “Marimba in Concert”

Hexagram (2010)* Six-mallet marimba solo for the advanced player.

Duration: 7:00

Conciert Mexicano (2006) – MarimPercussion

Instrumentation: marimba and symphony orchestra. Inspired by folklore music from Mexico. Three movements. The marimba player is using 2, 4 and six mallets (4 mallets optional) *

Duration: 21:00
Gloria from Misa Criolla (1996) – MarimPercussion
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo with foot bells.
Comments: Ariel Ramires/arr. Kai Stensgaard. The rhythmical roots of the original work adapt well to the marimba. The bells and stylistic features add a Latin feel and flavour to the work.
Duration: 7:00

Salsa Mexicana (2001) – MarimPercussion
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Influenced by Mexican folklore music; this piece involves advanced independence and endurance from the performer.
Duration: 7:00

Two Mayan Dances (1985) – MarimPercussion
Comments: These two works (Lain Nebaj & Manzanilla) are usually performed together but may be played independently. Strongly inspired by the folk music of Guatemala.

Lain Nebaj (1985) – MarimPercussion
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo with foot bells.
Comments: To be played with special mallets with built in maracas to enhance the rhythmical effect. A Latin waltz that requires both expression and stamina. Strongly inspired by the folk music of Guatemala.
Duration: 3:00

Manzanilla (1985) – MarimPercussion
Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo with foot bells.
Comments: To be played with special mallets with built in maracas to enhance the rhythmical effect. A Latin waltz that requires both expression and stamina. Strongly inspired by the folk music of Guatemala.
Duration: 3:00

Zita: (2007) * – MarimPercussion

Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo

This piece involves advanced independence and endurance from the performer.
Duration: 5:20

Cumbia: (2010) – MarimPercussion

Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo

This piece is in the style of cumbia/latin.
Duration: 4:00

SUZUKI, HIIDEAKI
Mokurei (1985) – JFC
Instrument: Four, or six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: A complex four-mallet work that can be performed as an optional six-mallet arrangement.
Duration: 10:30

TAKEMITSU, TORU
Rain Tree (1981) – Schott Japan Company
Instrumentation: Percussion trio Part 1 – Marimba (4 octaves) and 3 crotales.
Part 2 – Marimba (4 octaves) and 3 crotales.
Part 3 – Vibraphone and one octave set of crotales.
Comments: This work is often considered a vibraphone solo with marimba accompaniment. The vibraphone is the focus of the piece, a virtuosic work, applies five-mallets in some sections.
Duration: 12:00

TAUTENHAHN, GUNTHER
Two October Songs (1976) – Seesaw Music Corp.
Instrumentation: Four and six-mallet marimba and trumpet duet.
Comments: Second movement makes use of six-mallets to accompany the trumpet solo; each hand plays three note clusters in sixteenth note rhythms. Dedicated to Robert Levy and Gordon Stout.
Duration: 10:00

VERSCHUEREN, FLOR
Daer Zat Een Sneeuwwit Vogeltje (A Snow White Little Bird) (2000) – Beurskens Muziekkuitgeverij
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: This solo is based on a popular Flemish folksong from the 16th century; a legendary fairy tale unfolds through the work. Commissioned by Ludwig Albert.
Duration: 4:00

VIDOW, JEFF
Circumvented Time (1992) – not commercially available
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Very difficult. Extensive use of one-handed rolls, difficult mallet independence, block chords. For Robert Paterson.
Duration: 5:00

WESTLAKE, NIGEL
Fabian Theory (1987) – Rimshot Music Australia.
Instrumentation: Five-mallet marimba solo with 3 tom-toms and digital delay.
Comments: An electronic delay system is employed throughout the work building a multi-marimba illusion and creating rhythmic counterpoint against the live performance. Commissioned by the ‘Synergy’ percussion group, Australia.
Duration: 5:35

WU, PER-JING

Fire Dance *

Instrumentation: Six-mallet marimba solo.
YERMISH, HOWARD
Time & Space (1992) – currently not published
Instrument: Piano, tuned water glasses and six-mallet marimba.
Comments: Chorale style use of six-mallets. For Robert Paterson.
Duration: 5:00

To Play, To Dance (1990) – self-published by the composer
Instrument: Six-mallet marimba solo.
Comments: Moderately difficult. Involves foot stomping while playing; groove oriented, block chords. For Robert Paterson.
Duration: 5:00

YUYAMA, AKIRA
Divertimento for marimba and Alto Saxophone (1968) – Ongako
Instrumentation: Four and six-mallet marimba and saxophone duet.
Comments: Six-mallets are employed in the second section of the work with continuous rolls in a triad and first inversion form. There is time to pick up and put down the additional mallets during the piece. Commissioned by Keiko Abe.
Duration: 11:00