The Seattle Marimba Quartet was formed in 2007 when the four members met earning music degrees at the University of Washington. Each member is a highly accomplished musician in their own right, and together they form an incredibly versatile chamber group. Much of their current repertoire consists of their original mallet keyboard arrangements of works by such composers as Ravel, Saint-Saëns, Mahler, Bach, Debussy, and others. SMQ’s showcase of the diversity of percussion makes for an interesting and truly enchanting concert experience.
Instrumental mallet percussion arrangement of the traditional Greensleeves, or "What Child is This" melody. This is a refreshing setting for this piece. It has chimes and bells as well as marimbas. Way more interesting than the normal flute or harp setting. Instrumental, Christmas, Christmas Carols
A setting of the classic Christmas carol on marimbas. It has a holiday feel with the warm welcoming sound of a 5 octave marimba. Think similar to harp or guitar, but with a much more rich and warm rounded sound. Instrumental, Christmas, Christmas Acoustic
This track is a dazzling arrangement of a famous JS Bach concerto scored for marimbas. Stunning counterpoint with virtuosic execution. The music is emotionally charged and dramatic. This could be used for elegant or regal moods and is instantly recognizable as quintessential baroque music. Instrumental, Classical, Baroque, Johann Sebastian Bach
A stunningly beautiful arrangement of Mahler's "Primal Light." The track gives a feeling of heavenly everlasting light. This is an instrumental arrangement, the original vocal line is played on a warm and resonant 5-octave marimba. The marimba harmonies are haunting yet emotionally charged. Instrumental, Classical, Romantic, Gustav Mahler
This track evokes a feeling of moving water or watching fish swim peacefully in an aquarium. The descending lines in the glockenspiel and vibraphone convey an image of a water fall delicately flowing down. Originally for orchestra, this arrangement has been scored for marimba glockenspiel and vibes. Instrumental, Classical, Romantic, Camille Saint-Saens
A dynamic and energetic arrangement of the second movement from Ravel's String Quartet. A velvety rumble-rustle opening gives way to a flowing lyrical section. The romantic harmonies make for feelings of longing, areas of excitement, reflective melancholy, and sophisticated thought. Instrumental, Classical, Romantic, Maurice Ravel
Zany, outrageous, and slap-stick are words that describe this track. Very cartoony with percussion and sound effects galore! If Spike Jones made music with Bugs Bunny cartoons you would have this. Novelty xylophone melody with dozens of percussion sound effects make this an eccentrically fun work. Instrumental, Cartoon, Cartoon Fun Time
