Track Listing

1. Etude in C, Op. 6, No. 10
2. Robbin' Harry
3. Rhythm Song
4. Berceuse
5. Flight of the Bumblebee
6. Czardas
7. Mexican Dance for Marimba, No. 1
8. Mexican Dance for Marimba, No. 2
9. Maple Leaf Rag
10. Little Prayer
11. Black Key Study
12. Michi
13. Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #239556 in Music
• Released on: 1990-04-10
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive and definitive
This CD contains some of the most famous marimba literature ever produced, performed excellently and musically by the world's leading percussion soloist. The CD includes many works written for marimba (e.g. two Mexican Dances, Rhythm Song) as well as classical, ragtime, and piano literature. If the customer is interested in the hearing abilities of the marimba or looking for a standard of marimba music, this is a definite buy. Otherwise, this is just a must-buy.

Glennie's interpretation of Rhythm Song is extremely strict. She follows the dynamics to the letter, with moderate personal interpretation. At times, it seems almost mechanical and overly rehearsed. However, these do not detract from the overall performance. The song is still as complex, interesting, beautiful, and mesmerizing as possible. Glennie shows off her "chops" in the show piece, Flight of the Bumble Bee. The rapidity of her strokes are enough to astound the non-percussionist, and her musicality makes up for any doubts of her chops. The tempos in the two Mexican Dances are below that specified in the music. I would have preferred if she had taken the pieces up to tempo yet performed them as musically as she does at the slower tempo. The Maple Leaf Rag seems out of place in this CD. It does not follow the melody written by Scott Joplin, and though this is not Glennie's fault, the fact that she included it is. Since Glennie apparently wants to reflect the major influence that the xylophone has had on percussion, I would have included a George Hamilton Green instead, it would be more appropriate. Glennie's original composition, A Little Prayer, is beautiful, and truly lives up to its title. Her interpretation of Michi is superb, and respects Abe's style. The emotion provided is one of almost sorrow. My personal favorite piece is the last piece, Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, by Saint-Saëns. It shows off excellent rolls, terrific interpretation, and exquisite ensemble work between Glennie and her accompaniment, the National Philharmonic Orchestra. This piece sounds like it was written for marimba and orchestra.

Rhythm Song
For those who don't know, Evelyn Glennie is one of the most talented percussionists in the world, if not the most talented. This CD is a great example of her talent and love of the marimba. This CD consists of traditional marimba literature as well as other pieces. No matter if you are a musician or not, this CD is thoroughly entertaining. If you don't typically listen to percussion music or even classical music at all, try expanding your horizons with this inspiring CD from one of the great percussionists of today.

Absolutely superb
This is truly a fine collection of music, and should appeal to anyone who appreciates fine playing. From start to finish, it invites repeated listening, and it would be rude not to accept the invitation. For those who never really focused on percussion in general or marimba in particular, this is a eye-opener. It's a real treat, buy it.