My Top 10 Favourite Marimba Solos!

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You guys have been asking for help with picking solos and repertoire for upcoming recitals and auditions - so here's my top 10 favourite marimba solos at the moment! They're of various difficulties and some are two mallet, some are four mallet, so hopefully you might find something you like :)
Shout out to everyone's performances that I featured. This video is not monetised.
★ FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO (SPOILERS BELOW! Watch the video first...)★
#10 Wind (2007) by Chin Cheng Lin (performed by Lorenzo Capasso):
• Wind - Chin Cheng Lin ...
#9 Odessa (2012) by Matthew Lorick (performed by Miroslav Dimov):
• Odessa by M. Lorrick p...
#8 October Night (1986) by Michael Burritt (performed by me)
#7 Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra (2005) by Emmanuel Sejourne (performed by Samuel Tsz Ho Chan):
• Emmanuel Séjourné: "Co...
#6 Over The Rainbow (2014) by Harold Arlen arr. Robert Oetomo (performed by Robert Oetomo):
• "Over the Rainbow" (ar...
#5 Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor (1720) by Johann Sebastian Bach (performed by me again two years ago):
• Violin Partita No. 2 i...
#4 Etude in E minor (2006) by Pius Cheung (performed by me)
#3 The Spruce, from Five Pieces for Piano Op. 73, No. 5 (1914) by Jean Sibelius (performed by Eriko Daimo in Rob Knopper's video):
• 5 exercises to practic...
#2 Velocities (1990) by Joseph Schwantner (performed by Doug Perry):
• Joseph Schwantner - Ve...
#1 Merlin (1985) by Andrew Thomas (performed by me in my recital)
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[@AdamTanPercussion]

Sorry for the super late upload! I've been sick the last couple of days but I managed to pull this one together slowly - hope it helps you out with your rep choices over the next few months :) Thanks for watching! #TheStudioFamily

[@theunclassicalpercussionis688]

you think velocities is difficult? (I mean it is, You should see Doug Perry play Rhythm Song by Paul Smadbeck. He makes that song look like cake work.

[@colinmiller5282]

Did you ever do drum corps

[@calebbenton367]

One-Study, One Summary by John Psathas

[@Shady_Muffins]

How do I download a pdf for the wind sheet music by chin cheng lin

[@BJGD5]

Here we go! 10. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 9. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 8. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 7. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 6. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 5. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 4. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 3. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 2. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain 1. Mitchell Peters - Yellow After the Rain Obviously.

[@alekssagreen8110]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJJAJA

[@gamingbud8946]

Yes

[@bruhemianbobbert7136]

Where's Sea Refractions?

[@bieglerpercussion]

@@bruhemianbobbert7136 lmao I played that solo last year

[@DrumUltimA]

Heyoooooo!!!! Thanks for the plug, and the kind words. Keep up the good work, you do a great job with these videos! :)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Doug Perry Thanks for watching Doug! I love your work also 😀

[@neobotxcx]

My personal favorites (in no order in particular) 1 White Knuckle Stroll 2 Land 3 Furioso Tango 4 Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum 5 Arabesque 1 6 Odessa 7 Velocities 8 Rotation 2 9 Libertango 10 Genesis

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Oh man such good selections!! Definitely ones I want to play too ;)

[@neobotxcx]

I have only played one on the list, as I am a younger player, but I am hoping to play them all soon

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Jared Ruffing You can do it! Awesome to set goals like this 😄

[@spenceralger3600]

Rotation 4 is better smh

[@lemonswounge2930]

Libertango is the best solo though

[@Sleed27]

Nice video again !! thanks for something new everyweek ! love it

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thanks for watching man, I appreciate it :)

[@kwolf1127]

This video was came out at the perfect time! I'm starting to pick out pieces for my first undergraduate recital and some of these will be perfect. Thank you!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Glad to be of assistance, thanks for watching! :)

[@stefangriffin3113]

I'll bite! 10. "Opening" by Philip Glass 9. Bach 3rd Cello Suite 8. "Caritas" by Michael Burritt 7. "Memento" by Ivan Trevino 6. "Merlin" by Andrew Thomas 5. "Scirocco" by Michael Burritt 4. "Reflections on the Nature of Water" by Jacob Druckman 3. "From my Little Island" by Robert Aldridge 2. "Variations on Lost Love" by David Maslanka 1. "Three Moves" by Paul Lansky

[@andrewwoolcock2447]

Three moves for Marimba!!!! LOVE IT!!!!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Ah yes gotta have Druckman, Maslanka and Lansky ;) I'm glad you have Merlin on there too!

[@stefangriffin3113]

Adam Tan once I get the moves down I'm on to Merlin!

[@nicholaspedroza9060]

Shoutout to my mans ivan!! playing memento this year

[@ronisize15]

love Variations on a Lost love too

[@927drummerboy]

Thanks for rendering a contemporary list of marimba favorites. It's amazing how the past 40 years has produced individuals who understand the instrument and how to showcase the instruments' attributes. With that being said, lest we never forget the heritage of the marimba and the literature that promulgated the cornerstone of both composition and performance standards by which we live today. Let us always remember names like; the Creston, the Kurka, The Bagatelles written in World War 2 (Vida Chenoweth), the Basta, and the complete Musser cycle etc. Believe it or not, these were the pieces of yesteryear that aided in the acceptance of the instrument amidst the uneducated populous. In addition, it's most important to never constrain our movement by only performing works that will aid in acceptance in the inner circles of the craft, but rather perform and create selections that will minister to the general populous. If we forget this concept, than what we do will all be in vein.

[@wyattbradford344]

I've always been a big fan of Paul Smadbeck's "Virginia Tate" just because of how beautiful it sounds. Love the videos man!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Definitely Virginia Tate is awesome! Thanks for watching 😀

[@WolfsPercussion]

"Over the Rainbow" is on my list of pieces to learn as soon as I finish what I'm working on right now. I've been slowly piecing together "Strive to be Happy" by Ivan Trevino over the past few months. (the hard part about working at a high school. Not as much practice time as I used to have. Almost makes me miss college) You've given me a new piece to obsess over, with "Odessa". It's so intense! I.must.play.it. Love you videos!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Thomas Woolfolk Awesome that you're still finding time to practice and setting clear goals amongst all your work! And yeah Odessa is sooo addictive, I wish I played it in uni... thanks for watching! 😄

[@codyhageman3036]

I’m currently learning Virginia Tate by Paul Smadbeck, and I love that solo so much! Moon Chasers by Mark Ford is also such a beautiful solo!

[@TheThurstonQuad]

Hey Adam, I'm glad you included the Sejourne Concerto, it is one of my favorite works. I played the slow movement for my recital. Fun fact: I had a lesson with a guy that was on Mr Sejournes email list and he informed me that Sejourne added a new "first" movement Avec Force. It is different than the other two but still fits nicely. I'm working on it for my senior recital. There is an album with the whole concerto and a few others on iTunes called Lauda Concerto if you are interested. But currently there is only one live recording of the new movement. Hope you enjoy it!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I love the Sejourne Concerto and it's so awesome all you guys have played it! I will have to check out this new movement, thanks for letting me know :)

[@maialovesdance]

Whoaa I'm a prep student at New England Conservatory! There are photos of that concerto literally all over our campus :) That piece is such an inspiration for all our percussionists

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Samuel is just great! You guys have a great school 😁

[@lctstudios0101]

Over the Rainbow arranged by Robert is the piece that inspired me to pursue being a professional percussionist. I've got a long way to go from being there, but that piece and how he flows across the marimba like water still inspires me to this day.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Rob is going to love hearing this ;) He's an exceptional player!

[@buddylovett2653]

This video is definitely what I needed!!! This season I'm playing Rain Dance by Alice Gomez as a piece I can perfect and make sound good; but I'm also working towards Rob's Over the Rainbow - although it will probably be next year by the time I perfect it!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Buddy Lovett You can do it man! And I'm glad to hear you're playing Rainbow too #teamaustralia

[@TelsonWoodworks]

I am definitely going to play Odessa now. I also think you should do a video with vibe solos and/or ensemble rep. Love the chanel!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Sean Dello Monaco Awesome man, it's a great piece! I will look into doing a vibes video. Thanks for watching 😀

[@Logaddi]

Looking forward to playing wind and Odessa. Beautiful works throughout the whole list!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

They are awesome works! I'm glad I could help you choose some pieces :)

[@Logaddi]

Adam Tan one of my personal favorites is the Musser Etude in C Major. Really short but helps improve your chops. Also a fun piece too play 🙃

[@pjm4w]

Some of my my favourites include "A Cricket Sang and Set the Sun" by Blake Tyson, "Butterfly" by Nils Rohwer and "Tambourin Paraphrase" + "Prism" by Keiko Abe!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I agree, Paraphrase and Prism - two of the best Abe works in my opinion :)

[@dakotawalters6061]

I played Wind last year (my sophomore year at college), one of my favorite pieces. I'll be doing Land for my senior recital next year along with a marimba arrangement of Bach's Air on a G string by Rudi Bauer. After that, looking at doing a Sequoia, a marimba duet and Suite for Marimba by Fissinger!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Dakota Walters Beautiful selections! I'll have to check out the Fissinger 😀

[@stephondavis8792]

Awesome pieces and video! My favorite piece right now is Maslanka's "Variations on Lost Love" (great video on the Vic Firth channel) Although not technically difficult at all, a piece that I've loved for quite a while is Lymon's "Of Thoughts and Thinking" - perfect opportunity to just relax and feeeeel the marimba :)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Oh I like Of Thoughts and Thinking, it's really nice! Sometimes the best pieces are not that technically difficult after all! Thanks for watching :)

[@christinekinman9472]

Interesting and informative thanks Well performanced

[@Svit.S]

I always smile when I see your notification :p Are there any other marimba / vibraphone channels simillar to this one? I know about those that you sometimes link in your description, but that's pretty much it.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Unfortunately I don't know of any other than Casey Cangelosi, Marimbalogy and of course the one and only Rob... I hope someone else joins me on this video making crusade ;)

[@theunclassicalpercussionis688]

I know Doug Perry does some stuff, but he's more of performance or arrangement videos. I hope to join y'all soon.

[@koheisakai1953]

Svit Starkl Liquidrum (Todd Meehan) has a pretty cool channel. Also, Casey Cangelosi does a podcast called @percussion with his wife Laurel Black, and friends Ben Charles and Megan Arns. They always have guests too. Its a great podcast and they cover all kinds of topics related to percussion.

[@ArtificailxXxVampire]

I attend university in Oregon and am very lucky to work with Pius and Eriko- They're so talented and passionate that it's inspiring. Later in my university career I'm going to tackle some of his pieces for sure. Some of my favorites on on this list ♥

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I'm super jealous that you get to see them so often! You must be brilliant having such great teachers :)

[@ArtificailxXxVampire]

Oh, I wouldn't say that haha! Just very lucky to live in the area.

[@JJPercussion1]

I really these videos man :) keep it up 😂

[@percussionstud]

Putting together my senior recital this year, not sure yet on my final rep list. Finished up my junior recital back in April, featuring Mark Ford’s Polaris, and Minoru Miki’s Marimba Spiritual!

[@pocrucpinegenitals]

Some personal favourites that I'm playing for my HSC this year is Summer Treehouse by Chad Floyd and Rob Oetomo's Concert No.1 Soar (just the first movement). Thanks for your quality content!!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Woooo! Good picks man :) Thanks for watching!

[@hannahlael3445]

I LOVE ODESSA!!!! I'm thinking of picking up October Night to learn and then use as a warmup, because right now I just have a bunch of boring and repetitive warmups. I was told to start learning more solos and melodic warmups, so this is probably going to be one of them! I'm also looking at playing Pavane for a Dead Princess transposed for marimba (super duper easy but absolutely gorgeous) and On a Hike by Eric Peel (also really easy but a lot of fun to learn super quick).

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Awesome picks! I love Odessa too ;)

[@bellabice7512]

i’ve always been in love with a cricket sang and set the sun

[@Johnkarakasidis]

Hello Adam!! Great video!!

[@colinwilliams9372]

Hey Adam! Hope things are going well! In no particular order, here are a few pieces to check out if you haven't already (I tried to avoid the REALLY well known stuff like Khan Variations, From My Little Island, and Velocities and such). "In the Fire of Conflict" or "Fertility Rites" - Christos Hatzis (two great pieces for marimba and tape) "One Study One Summary" - John Psathas (I actually am performing this on a recital in a couple days. It is a beast of a piece to learn but is super fun to play) "The Trees Where I Was Born" - Jacob Bancks (I just recently found this one and it has be growing on me...its free on IMSLP too!) "Long Distance" - Steven Snowden (Solo piece for vibes, marimba, and tape, with two movements on vibes and two on marimba) "Five Scenes from the Snow Country" - Hans Werner Henze (A piece that absolutely does not get the credit it deserves) "Snow is Dancing" - Debussy (transcribed piano piece that fits REALLY well on a marimba. I believe both Leigh Howard Stevens and Nancy Zeltsman have transcriptions if you want to see what they did with it). "Ragamuffin" - Michael Hedges (arranged guitar piece, Nancy Zeltsman has a killer version in the back of her technique book) I wouldn't call these necessarily part of my top 10, but they are pieces you might not have heard of and I really enjoy on marimba. So enjoy!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Colin! Thanks for watching man :) Great list as well, I've only heard of Ragamuffin and One Study One Summary (the fact you're playing it is AWESOME), but yeah I will check lots of these out!

[@mattboyle3137]

Sorry I’m late to the party here’s my top 10 10. Concerto no. 2 Cangelosi 9. Time for Marimba Miki 8. Dance of the Knights Sammut 7. 4 Movements Burritt 6. 2 Movements Tanaka 5. Velocities Schwanter 4. Reflections on the Nature of Water 3. Merlin Thomas 2. Northern Lights Ewazen 1. White Pines. Burritt

[@kylespence7886]

Hope you are feeling better soon! I've played the first movement of the Sejourne concerto, it was actually quite a fun piece to learn. One of my personal favorites is "Everybody talk about Freedom" by Julie Spencer, Its a very fun blues/rock piece with a vocal rap. I performed it on my junior recital. I highly suggest taking a look at it if you want something really fun!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thanks Kyle! I'd never heard of the Spencer work until you said it, it's such an awesome concept! You've definitely performed a lot of awesome pieces by the sounds of it :)

[@kylespence7886]

Well marimba is my favorite instrument, and I just enjoy finding interesting and entertaining pieces. :)

[@Carlos-fz7mf]

Hey Adam, I just recently started watching your videos and I love them! your approach to technique and music in general is very straightforward. I am a current student in college and I was wondering if you can (or have made) make a video about practicing. all my life I've been told to practice but never how. I would love to see your approach to practicing wether it be practicing techniques or a piece. Even what you practiced on a day to day basis and how long (which varies in percussionist) thank you in advance!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Carlos I Thanks for watching my videos Carlos, I appreciate it! My friend Rob Knopper (KZbin.com/robknopperstudio) has a few strategies for that on his channel but I might do one myself too, thanks for the suggestion!

[@AK2CO]

Great list Adam. Took my recommendation, I see ;) I also hope you get to feeling better soon! I have a few pieces that I'm partial to. Two Gordon stout pieces Beads of Glass and Two Mexican Dances as well as Paul Smadbeck's Rhythm Song. Some Moto perpetuo works but all of them are very interpretation heavy. Two Mexican Dances is one of my favorites. Fun challenge to be both accurate and musical with the second movement. David Hall's recording and interpretation is probably my favorite out there. He takes great lines and follows the dance theme very well. One of my favorites to play. I was wondering where Velocities was going to end up on your list when I started playing the video. Certainly complex, but it isn't out of your reach. Speaking of range, I watched your Merlin performance too, very impressive tempo! College mate tackled that for his graduate recital, but he started practicing it not long after his undergrad recital was done. Cheers on the vlog!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Two Mexican Dances - I played that in my 2nd year! Great piece and yes David Hall's is a good recording. I hope I can learn Velocities soon! Thanks for watching :)

[@lorenzocapasso]

Thank you for using my video as a reference for Wind :) I suggest you listen Rose of Sharon (song of Almah') by Andrew Beall. Not a marimba solo but, for me, one of the best duet with cello! ;)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Lorenzo Capasso Ah yes I have heard that one, one of the few and best duets for cello indeed! by the way your video was beautiful, thank you for sharing 😀

[@ericqi5130]

Should be reviewing for my finals exam tomorrow for physics but instead I am indulging myself in Adam Tan videos, life is great...

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Hahahaha you are the best ;) but seriously you should be studying LOL

[@brandonwaters642]

My favorites at the moment would have to be "Strive to Be Happy" by Ivan Trevino, Bach's Cello Suite No. 1, "Suite Popular Brasiliera" by Ney Rosauro, "River Flows in You Variations", by Maikel van see Boomen, and "Ghost Garden" by Adam Hopper (I think). Definitely some beautiful pieces that I want to learn. Also, my friend is playing Sejourne's concerto for a concert, and she's a high school senior, so shout out to her (if you want). Also, have you ever heard the Dan Moore mallets from Innovative Percussion? They produce a nice clean sound for both marimba and vibes. Worth checking out. As always, keep up the great videos, and I hope your channel becomes one of the cornerstones of percussion on KZbin! 👌

[@AdamTanPercussion]

A lot of Trevino fans here ;) Awesome that you have such a talented friend also - I wish I could be that good in high school hahaha :) I have heard of those mallets yes! Thanks for watching!

[@benrolfe8490]

Hey Adam, great vid as always. Question: I know you've got your ballin' final recital video, but is there any chance of you recording some more marimba repertoire and posting it here? I think we'd all dig seeing ya play some of the standards :D

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I'd love to upload more yes! I think once my thesis is finally submitted (just passed last week) and my Malaysia competition is done I'll be keen to get more recordings up :) Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ryancrowe1290]

Summer Treehouse by Chad Floyd is my summer choice for obvious reasons :D i love the use of woodblock in a marimba solo

[@percuss3757]

Ryan Crowe Yaaaaaaaaasssss it’s my fave too 🤪

[@ZeldaBrawler]

I looooveeee Oetomo's arrangement of over the rainbow. It's so beautiful. I'll be playing Pius Cheung's arrangement of Piazzolla's Verano Porteno in a solo competition coming up. I love his arrangements sooo much. Though when it comes to original pieces I love Jesse Monkman's compositions.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Verano Porteno is SO good :) And Parody is really popular now as well!

[@bsandoval2340]

There is a junior at my high school who played Odessa for their solo and ensemble competition

[@tripphaynesmusic]

Some of my favs :) 1. Northern Lights - Ewazen 2. Abaca -Picard 3. Nocturnal Dance -Monkman 4. The Ghosts of Bonneville -Finely 5. Collapse -Howley 6. Kaleidoscope -Lin 7. Moments -McClure 8. Wind in the Bamboo Grove -Abe 9. Distance -Barnes 10. Evergreen -Finely

[@oliviasletteland]

I found your channel yesterday and absolutely love it!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@justnoahherehello]

1. Moon Chaser by Mark Ford 2. Ghost Garden by Adam Hopper 3. Emily’s Dream by Mark Ford 4. Libertango by Eric Summet 5. Caleidoscópio by Gene Koshinski 6. Sweet Dreams by Mark Ford

[@aldorr_music]

This is kinda old school but I've been reading through the Karen Irvin Pershing book called "Contemporary solos for 4 Mallets" I performed 'Toccata' for some school stuff and it is a nice little piece.

[@ferrysille3710]

one etude from one summary one etude,awesome bro

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Ah yes I have seen this one! Thanks for watching :)

[@nikolaicoletta]

Great video. I love Kevin Bobo's pieces but I still have a fair amount of work left before I can play that ;)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I played Gordon's Bicycle and you're right - I wish I worked on laterals more before trying it LOL

[@ianko5560]

So I recently found your channel and I have to say your videos are super informative and I really enjoy them, but anyway so I'm a sophomore in high school and I've been really focusing on orchestral things. For example I'm in a youth symphony and we recently played the Rachmaninoff second symphony. However I've really wanted to get into four mallet solos and the most recent solo I've learned is strive to be happy by Ivan Trevino just for fun. I want to get into more serious pieces for competitions and auditions so do you have any advice or song recommendations?

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thanks for watching Ian! Strive to be Happy is a great one, Anthem is also really popular (also Trevino). I'd recommend October Night as a similar work :)

[@samjohnson-vrooman3098]

Have you heard Variations on Porgy and Bess by Eric Sammut? That is one of my favorites, and it's great you included Over the Rainbow. That's one of my favs to play

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Yes I have! Definitely an awesome piece :) and awesome that you've played Rob's arrangement too!

[@Marimbalogy]

No order... Memories of the Seashore - Abe Mexican Dances - Stout Words Unspoken - Harnsberger Two Fountains - Bobo Variations on Japanese Children's Songs - Abe Prism - Abe Nagoya Marimbas - Reich (not a solo, still putting it on here)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Marimbalogy Lots of classics! and I love the sound of Nagoya marimbas 😁

[@ubershmuck]

I don't really understand Merlin enough to put it on my list, but here you go 10. Over the Rainbow - Oetomo 9. See Ya Thursday - Mackey 8. One Study One Summary - Psathas 7. Marimba Variations - Wuorinen 6. Prism - Abe 5. Northern Lights - Ewazen 4. Variations on Lost Love - Maslanka 3. Hard-Boiled Capitalism and the Day Mr. Friedman Noticed Google is a Verb - Wahlund (not marimba but w/e) 2. Reflections on the Nature of Water - Druckman 1. Velocities - Schwanter

[@AdamTanPercussion]

JT I love all of those! And love that the Wahlund is there too 😄

[@SophiaSuante]

I love your list! I'm still trying to figure out solos I want to play my University Audition, so this helped a lot! Right now Marimba Solo wise, top 5 would be 1. Cameleon by Sammut 2. Ilijas by Zivkovic 3. Etude in A Minor by Cangelosi 4. Libertango by Sammut 5. Opening by Glass I probably have more, but I can't think of any more 😂 I also want to play Velocities; my lesson teacher played it on a TED Talk, and it seemed sooooo COOOOL. Her name is Mai Tadakoro; she's a Goddess 😍

[@AdamTanPercussion]

That's an awesome top 5! My friend Euphina played Cameleon at Chosen Vale and since then I have loved the sound of it :) And YES VELOCITIES! You have an awesome teacher who can play it so you should give it a go too ;)

[@crushingbelial]

Ah good ol merlin. I stopped playing marimba in 2k and at the time my big nasty repertoire pieces were Dances of Earth and Fire - Klatzow and Reflections on the Nature of Water - Druckman. Good times

[@tobiashaueise1955]

I really like the works of Keiko Abe and Eric Sammut like Rotation 4. A nice two mallet “killer“ is Casey Cangelosis White Knuckle Stroll.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Of course WKS is a classic ;) Thanks for watching!

[@WESPN92]

I'm currently learning Until Dawn by Arnor Chu! I get emotional thinking about one day performing this for my recital

[@patrickirwin1557]

Velocities is incredible (i wish i had the time and opportunity to learn it). Rhythm Song was my first love for marimba. My favorite and most gratifying piece was Process of Invention by Christopher Deane. Not the most difficult, but not the easiest either. Concentration and stamina at its finest.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Patrick Irwin Process of Invention is awesome. And I want time to learn Velocities too... 😀😀😀

[@andrewwoolcock2447]

Have you heard Bogdan Bacanu play the Sejourne? seriously something else, that guy is a BEAST.... and did you know that Sejourne has written another movement that will precede the current two?? gonna be soooo good! :)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Bogdan's version is realllly good as well! I've listened to Samuel's more but each has its own great points :) And REALLY! I can't wait ;)

[@octodog5907]

Loved the video. Just curious, what do you think of Khan Variations?

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I think it’s a really cool work that is not only a classic but also different to the typical moto perpetuo style straight solos... not exactly my first choice for a five octave virtuosic solo but definitely deserving of its place right now!

[@fordsmith7905]

I'm working on the 'new first movement' of the sejourne to enter a concerto competition, Avec force. I can't say I've worked on the other two movements, but I would say the new first movement seems considerably easier than the other two. It's really cool though

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Ah yes everyone's been telling me about Avec force, can't wait to see more people playing it! Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@langadubazana]

Land is the reason I started playing marimba (a month ago, haha) so yeah, that one. I want to play it when I get better.

[@dylancozzens1964]

Maikel Van Den Boomen's transcription of "river flows in you" is one of my favorites. really pretty. and of a bunch of Casey Cangelosi solos. I'm a Casey fan😛

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I'm a Casey fan too ;)

[@AcoAegis]

I bought the rainbow score, and was mildy disappointed in the way it was written out. I expected more of a jazz chart. The partita is a great work to learn, although I'd recommend learning basic violin before studying it at a deep level. I recently took a class and realized how many things I had glanced over in my interpretation that I would have been able to do had I been aware of these nuances - an example being the bowing structure of said work. I'm definitely going to check out Spruce! I'm also checking out Bach's chromatic fantasy, and it seems very doable so far. Love your vids

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I also thought that too! But I guess it serves as a good intro to people not familiar with jazz. I have a few violinist friends and you're right - their interpretations helped me a lot! Thanks for watching man :)

[@pearldrummer23456789]

I just performed an excerpt of April Sky by Cheng Chin-Lin at my recital. I love that piece and hope to perform it at PASIC this year

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Taylor Smith Awesome man, I hope to see you perform it at PASIC 😁

[@michaeljhintonpiano]

Wonderful site! Spectacular artistic playing. Any thoughts on Prokofiev Violin Sonata in D also for Flute.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Never tried it before but it sounds awesome!

[@leesaballe2969]

DUDE !!! you have an awesome channel :D really helpful and informative, I'm currently music student in search of a concerto to play for a recital. any recommendations ? Cheers man, Keep up the awesome work :D

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thank you so much Lee! Popular ones I've already listed in this video (Sejourne, Rob Oetomo's Soar) but if you don't like either of those maybe try the Ewazen concerto, or Prism Rhapsody!

[@leesaballe2969]

:O awesome man thank you for the awesome recommendations, will definitely check it out :D ( T-T its hard to find new pieces with video/audio recordings from youtube )

[@joeysmith04622]

What difficulty range would you say the marimba solo unreal motorway by attila szilvási falls into

[@carson6629]

I'm beginning and i'm learning a piece called waves and its pretty cool

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Waves is a good piece! Keep it up :)

[@brandonshipman6434]

hey Adam, speaking of solos i'm playing un dia de noviembre and if you knew the solo i was wondering if you think that the nancy zeltsman encore GradB mallets you reviewed would be a good fit for it.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Brandon Shipman I think I know the one and it definitely suits the character! Best part about the GRADB is that you can use it with or without force to get different sounds too 😀

[@FabiiRibeiropercussion]

Em todos esses anos assistindo youtube, essa é a primeira vez que encontro um youtuber marimbista

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I hope there will be many more like me! Thanks for watching :)

[@tarafying3592]

is wind for a 5 octave or 4.3 octave marimba?

[@JesterGamingFTW]

Have you heard "Zamba Para Escuchar tu Silencio" by Guillio Espel? It has an amazing melody and was taken from Guillio Espel's guitar version. Not the most difficult piece, but it sounds amazing. So much room for interpretiation... kind of like a Latin version of Land

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Never, but I will look it up! Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@hollowayraulie1422]

I'm a freshman in front ensemble and I'm left handed, and it REALLY shows. My right handed lateral strokes are akin to a trash dumpster they just don't sometimes and I don't have very much stamina.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Ahhh I was like that with my left hand (non dominant hand) - just means you need to exercise it twice as much! :)

[@blakecorkill]

that reverb on the recording of "somewhere over the rainbow"!!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Blake Corkill Sooo much hahaha

[@TimeLord]

I am playing a marimba virbraphone duet with a freind right now called Doves Delight. I highly suggest it. the best recording of it is by 4th floor, but we are playing it without the accompanyment.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

That is awesome - I can't wait to hear you guys play it!

[@alexking7148]

Libertango, Spiral 2, Cameleon- Sammut Moon Chasers- Ford Song of Almah- Beall Gypsy Tonic- can't remember the composer

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Great selection! I love Cameleon :)

[@jenswilms8523]

Nice video! Do you know where I can get the transcription for Sibelius' the Spruce? I would love to play the piece!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

You can read it off the piano score on IMSLP! I just performed it doing exactly that ☺️

[@elliemason1749]

What do you think of Libertango?

[@ErenYeager-zm9bt]

I've become a pretty big fan of your videos since I am also a percussionist that is currently an undergrad in the US. I just wanted to ask what makes you favor marimba one over other brands such as malletech? I feel marimba one is way over priced and that malletech boards and mallets are just as good if not better for a fraction of the cost of marimba one.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Thanks for watching man! I don't necessarily favour it over other brands, I happen to prefer their marimba's design but I definitely appreciate brands like Adams and Malletech as well. You're right, a lot of Marimba One stuff is pretty expensive but yeah I think everyone's tastes are always going to be different 😀

[@oneup1098]

when you ever do an acoustic sound TED TALK ? OR start your own studio talks / studio with Adam tan ? if you do please do an acoustic arrangement for iggy azalea then invite her for an acoustic explosion .

[@jinoeshoots2465]

I'm currently playing prelude no.1 by ney rosauro and it's my favorite right now

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Jr Hernandez That is a good one! Awesome to hear 😀

[@jinoeshoots2465]

Thankyou :)

[@zanemeek9042]

Here's a challenge for you: what are the best two and four-mallet solos for beginners and intermediate players? Ensembles? We finally have a percussion ensemble class for my high school kids and I'd like to introduce them to marimba lit so they get excited about playing without being intimidated.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Oooh that's a tough one - Two Mexican Dances (Stout), Marimba Dances (Edwards), Michi (Abe), Prism (Abe), Yellow After The Rain/Rain Dance of course, transcribing Flight of the Bumblebee is good for intermediate players, heaps of examples out there for sure :)

[@zanemeek9042]

Thanks, Adam!

[@ty96111]

Wind and Over the rainbow is awesome! but wind is very hard to play haha . the favorite i love recently is Toccata

[@AdamTanPercussion]

+Danny Yeh Toccata as in Koppel Toccata? I'm glad you like the other two as well 😀

[@richsound11]

Adam Tan= LEGEND

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Steve Richter Steeeeeve! You are the legend for sure 😄

[@TenorPhan23]

Adam, do you have your transcription of the spruce? This is on the list of pieces I want to perform soon and I'd love to get my hands on a transcription!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I read it off the original piano score and just adjusted it to suit my liking! You can get it for free at IMSLP :)

[@ronisize15]

just some pieces people I think people. should check out in no order: Levitan- marimba suite second movement (opening day on Nancy Zelltsman's album) Rotations (of course) Virgina Tate (smadbeck), Katamiya + Nancy by Sejourme, Spiral Passages by Nathan Daughtery and I think the Zivkovic Funny mallets has some great solos too. My bucket list marimba piece is Maslanka's Variations on a Lost love.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Awesome! I have heard of some of these (Nancy was really popular in my uni) and yes I want to tackle Maslanka one day too. Repertoire goals! ;)

[@popbubblegiggles]

Wow! I didn't expect Merlin to be number one lol but it's really a hard piece. I played that piece for an I&E thing and since I had a time limit, the piece had to be shortened. Many of my friends were like, what's Merlin? Since all they cared about was Velocities and Libertango. But wow that solo was really hard, I'm glad I chose that piece even though it's pretty cringeworthy to rewatch myself playing it >

[@AdamTanPercussion]

It really is a challenge! Congrats on being able to perform it well!

[@avarettig]

i really like Cappuccino Lovely: No.2 Milk by Chin Cheng Lin! it’s chill and laid back and kinda reminds me of café music. :)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Love Chin Cheng Lin! I should mention him more often...

[@jays_wing_plays]

I know this was made years ago, but ghost gardens by adam hopper is really cool

[@BenjiBaker]

Definitely gotta check out "West Side Suite" by John Serry. Mark Boseman has a fantastic recording and makes it look sooooooo easy.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

He sure does LOL, so gooood

[@gailkoepf5724]

Try to identify a ringtone marimba piece: What a Feeling (Dose’s Marimba Remix of One Direction). Very short ringtone, but is there a full version. It is so beautiful and I hope there is a long version.

[@WorldOfRp]

Marimba Concerto by Paul Creston, definitely worth checking out if you haven't yet. Not the hardest piece i've ever played, but its so nice.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I love the Creston - since it's the first marimba solo ever written I think everyone should look at it at least once :) I learned the first page and then forgot to learn the rest LOL

[@WorldOfRp]

You should definitely learn the rest. Its a great peace, and it just feels good to play :)

[@cpatlynch]

Lemuria is a beast of a piece, really though if you can play it though, although I think it might be the hardest piece that i have heard/played for marimba as far as chops go...

[@AdamTanPercussion]

It is pretty hard yes... gotta love them beastly pieces ;)

[@vyzr6655]

Great video, I will definitely be looking at some of these in the future! I was wondering, what do you think of Dream of the Cherry Blossoms by Abe?

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Enshrouded_ It is a great piece for learning how to voice properly 😀 I just wish it wasn't written so funny at the beginning ahaha

[@vyzr6655]

I've decided on Cameleon by Sammut going into my sophomore year of high school. Do you think I'm on a good track for the rest of high school?

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Enshrouded_ Cameleon is a great piece, I think you're in a great position 😀

[@vyzr6655]

What kind of mallets should I use for these? Something like medium hard?

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Enshrouded_ Probably graduating soft at the bottom, mediums in the middle and a medium hard at the top in my opinion 😀

[@shanna.hits.things]

i just did my first solo!! i made it into a duet with my tec and it was such a pretty song (shaded by chad floyd) maybe ill do one of these next!!

[@AdamTanPercussion]

I'd love to see a recording of you playing it! :)

[@leonardoperez5909]

I love ilijas by zickovich (i dont remember the correct spelling of the author's last name) . the concerto of sejourne is one of my favorites too. And i know that the next piece is for vibes but its so beautifull that i have to mention it: suomineito of zickovich! Virginia tate from smadbeck is very beautifull too. A cricket sang and set the sun by blake tyson and katamiya by sejourne!

[@torrpercussion]

I'm currently learning Summer Treehouse by Chad Floyd and Catching Shadows by Ivan Trevino

[@malcolmhisky6665]

I'm looking for a solo like Odessa that's not ilijas or libertango. Any suggestions?

[@kalebroberson6670]

MALCOLMKICKS I played Odessa and am finding that Gypsy Tonic by Jesse Monkman is kinda similar in style and VERY fun

[@noahbanks7352]

Learning Anubis this summer 👍🏻

[@audreyl7199]

what do you think of Fantasy on Japanese Woodprints by Alan Hovhaness? I will be performing it on xylophone with my youth orchestra for our winter concert :)

[@AdamTanPercussion]

Audrey L I will have to check it out, but good luck for your concert! that's awesome 😄

[@ethanmartin4351]

Hmm... 10. The Marriage of the Lamb - Kevin Bobo 9. Etude in C# Minor - Pius Cheung 8. Odessa - Matthew Lorrick 7. Magma - Nebojsa Zivkovic 6. See Ya Thursday - Steven Mackey 5. Evergreen - Benjamin Finley 4. Variations of Lost Love - David Maslanka 3. Khan Variations - Alejandro Vinao 2. Etude in D Major - Pius Cheung 1. Merlin - Andrew Thomas Yeah, Merlin is definitely the best, easily the most fun I've personally had on the marimba.

[@AdamTanPercussion]

#MerlinSquad ;) and great list, I saw Nancy Zeltsman play See Ya Thursday live and it was awesomeeee