Danza Del Fuego by John La Barbera

Danza del Fuego for solo marimba by John La Barbera was originally written for classical guitar and was featured on his CD entitled “In The Labyrinth” in 1998. It was recorded with percussionist Yousif Sheronick from Ethos, who added a great dumbeck part to it on the recording. Sheronick introduced the piece to percussionist Joseph Gramley. Gramley was the first to approach La Barbera for a marimba transcription of the piece. La Barbera feels the marimba arrangement not only opened it up to an entirely new audience and gave the piece a new life. Both Joseph and Yousif have recorded it on their own CD’s. It appears on Yousif Sheronick’s CD, Silk Thread and Joseph Gramley’s CD, Global Percussion.

Danza del Fuego was inspired and influenced by Flamenco and Mediterranean music including North African and Arabic modes. Having both Sicilian and southern Italian roots, La Barbera feels very connected to the qualities which that music brings out. The piece is based in a 6/8 grove with sections in 5/8. Although the piece was not specifically written as a choreographed work it has been choreographed by several dance companies.