Marimba Heritage by Mark Ford

Marimba Heritage is an original composition that honors the history of solo marimba literature. Motives from many well-known marimba solos are woven into this new composition. While I considered numerous marimba works as I prepared to compose, the list below represents the marimba solos that inspired this music. All of these benchmark works were pivotal in guiding the pedagogical/artistic path of solo marimba literature.

Marimba Heritage was commissioned by Dr. Brett Dietz and the Louisiana State University Percussion Ensemble and premiered at LSU on March 29, 2009. The work features the power and energy of marimba music that has inspired thousands of percussionists for more than 60 years.