Three Shona Songs for Marimba Ensemble
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Scored for 7 or more players, these tunes have been arranged in the style of contemporary Zimbabwean marimba ensemble repertoire - with soprano, tenor, baritone and bass voicing. Accessible to younger (adaptable to Orff instruments) as well as college level ensembles, each piece can be "arranged" according to the ability level of the players - extra percussion can be added and there is lots of room for improvisation - great fun!

Percussive Notes Review:
Three Shona Songs
Intermediate
B. Michael Williams
HoneyRock

Three Shona Songs features three songs from the Shona people of Zimbabwe arranged for percussion ensemble. The titles of the songs are: "Butsu Mutandari" ("Long Oversize Shoe"), "Chiro Cha Cho" ("Shona Wedding Song") and "Vamudara" ("The old man is wearing tatters"). Each song includes the following parts to be performed on marimbas, preferably shared to experience the similar Shona tradition: Lead soprano, 1st soprano, 2nd soprano, 1st tenor, 2nd tenor, baritone, bass. Also, there is a percussion part on each song for hosho (maracas or shekere); however, Williams says that other percussion instruments, such as congas, could be added. Therefore, the instrumentation of these works can be varied by doubling parts, but the core number of players for each song is usually eight. The songs are cyclic and allow for much improvisation by the performers. Also, they should be memorized for better visual effect as well as allowing the performers to really listen and create. Williams has provided excellent performance notes. I highly recommend that you program these songs on your next program.

Reviewed by: Lisa Rogers
Review originally published: August 2002