The simplest forms are the leg xylophone and the pit xylophone. Leg xylophones consist of several bars which are laid across the lap and played. The space under the legs acts as the resonator. Pit xylophones are made by placing the bars on rolled-up banana leaves over a pit which serves as the resonator. One type of xylophone which is very important is the log xylophone, which consists of bars resting on two beams.
The bars are between 12 and 22 cm long and are usually fixed by long wood pins to stop them shifting position when they are struck. In Uganda instruments of this type, called the amadinda , are widespread. Larger versions, which used to be played at the court of the king, were also known as the akadinda. A more complex form is the so-called gourd-resonated xylophone, on which each bar has its own resonator.
The resonators are usually dried and hollowed-out gourds. The gourds are chosen with great care, because their pitch must correspond exactly to that of the bar. Musicians often travel long distances to find suitable specimens.
Sometimes bamboo canes, canisters or metal casings are used as resonators. These xylophones feature a special means of amplification, the mirlitons. This paper-thin covering vibrates in sympathy when the corresponding bar is struck and produces a buzzing noise. Buzzing noises were also produced on European frame harps in the late Middle Ages by contriving to make the vibrating strings touch the hooks provided for this purpose.
It is probable that the xylophone arrived in Europe during the Crusades. It was this name by which the instrument was known in German-speaking regions. In the following years the xylophone is mentioned by many influential theoreticians of the age, including Martin Agricola and Michael Praetorius in his Theatrum instrumentorum.
In the Middle Ages xylophones were very simple instruments without any kind of resonator. Straw fiddles were popular as virtuoso instruments in the circus and were also played by wandering minstrels.
This situation remained unchanged until the 19th century. Interesting Xylophone Facts: The xylophone is a member of the percussion family of instruments.
Different versions of the xylophone have existed for many years in many cultures. The African xylophone is referred to as the balafon; in Mozambique the xylophone is referred to as the Mbilia; in Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali, and West Africa the xylophone is referred to as the gyil; in western Zambia the xylophone is referred to as the silimba.
The early xylophones in Asia were often created with wooden bars attached to gourds. Today the frame of the xylophone is made of wood or metal. The xylophone gained popularity internationally in the s when the Russian musician Michael Josef Gusikov toured with his instrument.
Between and the xylophone was popular in vaudeville acts. Jazz musicians often used the xylophone in their bands until the vibraphone became more popular in this style of music in the s.
In the s the xylophone became popular in ragtime music. The above are only ten facts from the extensive entry in the The Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments. Did we leave out any of your favorite facts about the xylophone? Featured image: Xylophone. CC BY 2. Rose chair. Our Privacy Policy sets out how Oxford University Press handles your personal information, and your rights to object to your personal information being used for marketing to you or being processed as part of our business activities.
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