Mbira (Perc Ens 6)

The mbira is the classic instrument of Zimbabwe, with an entire musical genre developed around it. This work is work is based off of the traditional character of the instrument.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 6
Level: Medium | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Marimba 1 (4-octave)
Marimba 2 (4-octave)
Marimba 3 (5-octave)
Hand Drums (Low & High)
Afuche
Kick Drum

Program Notes
The mbira is the classic instrument of Zimbabwe, with an entire musical genre developed around it. It consists of approximately 20-24 flattened metal prongs fastened at one end to a bridge--usually some sort of box shape. The mbira sits in a calabash, a gourd, which acts as a resonator. The free ends of the metal prongs are plucked with the thumb of the left hand and the thumb and index finger of the right hand. The most important feature of mbira music is its chiming, cyclical nature, with each new repetition varying slightly from the last.