The xylophone is a percussion instrument that features a series of wooden bars of varying lengths, which are struck by mallets to produce musical notes. Often associated with both classical and contemporary music, the xylophone has a rich history and remains a staple in orchestras, schools, and music therapy. In this column, we will explore the different types of xylophones, how to play them, the tuning process, their pricing, and some famous pieces of xylophone music.
Xylophone Types
There are several types of xylophones, each designed for different settings and purposes. These variations can differ in terms of size, construction materials, and the pitch range.
Orchestral Xylophone
This is the most common type of xylophone used in professional orchestras and concert bands. The orchestral xylophone typically has a range of 3 to 4 octaves, with bars made of rosewood or synthetic materials. The larger, more resonant bars allow for a richer sound suitable for orchestral pieces. These instruments are usually equipped with resonators (tubes underneath the bars) to amplify the sound.
Concert Xylophone
Concert xylophones are similar to orchestral models but tend to be slightly larger. They are designed to produce a bright, sharp sound that cuts through the dense textures of an orchestra. These xylophones are often found in concert halls and are built for both durability and sound projection.
Glockenspiel vs. Xylophone
While both instruments belong to the same family, there is a distinction between the xylophone and glockenspiel. The xylophone uses harder mallets and wooden bars to produce a more percussive, woody sound, whereas the glockenspiel has metal bars that create a bright, bell-like sound. The glockenspiel is smaller and higher in pitch than the xylophone.
Marimba vs. Xylophone
The marimba is a larger, lower-pitched cousin of the xylophone. It features wider bars and a range that can extend well beyond 5 octaves. The marimba’s sound is warmer and richer due to its use of larger resonators and its lower pitch range, making it a favorite in both classical and contemporary music, unlike the more high-pitched xylophone.
Wooden Xylophone
This type of xylophone is often used in educational settings or in some traditional music from various parts of the world. It has bars made of wood, typically softer wood like bamboo or rosewood. These instruments are often played with softer mallets to produce a gentler sound.
Children’s Xylophone
Children’s xylophones are small, colorful versions of the traditional instrument. They are often designed to help young children learn about rhythm and pitch. The bars are typically made from synthetic materials and can be tuned to a specific scale. These instruments are lightweight and easy to handle.
How to Play Xylophone
Playing the xylophone requires a combination of techniques for striking the bars, using appropriate mallets, and controlling the dynamics of the sound. Here is a breakdown of how to play the xylophone.
Holding the Mallets
The first step in playing the xylophone is to hold the mallets correctly. Hold one mallet in each hand, with your fingers wrapped around the handles for a secure grip. The mallet heads should be positioned comfortably above the bars, ready to strike.
Standard Grip: For most beginners, the standard grip is a simple hold where your fingers gently wrap around the mallet shaft. Your thumb should rest lightly against the shaft, allowing for flexibility and control.
Advanced Grip: Experienced players may use a technique called the “thumb and forefinger grip,” which involves holding the mallet in a more relaxed way for greater dexterity.
Striking the Bars
To create sound on the xylophone, strike the bars with the mallet heads. The tone produced depends on how hard or soft you strike, as well as where the mallet contacts the bar. Striking the center of the bar will produce a clear, full sound, while hitting closer to the edge creates a brighter, sharper tone.
Use of Dynamics: The dynamics, or volume, of the xylophone are determined by the force with which you strike the bars. Lightly tapping the bars will produce a soft sound, while a heavier strike creates a louder, more resonant sound.
Rolls: For continuous sounds, players can use a technique called “rolling.” This involves quickly alternating between the mallets to create a sustained note. Rolls are often used to add dramatic effect in performances.
Pitch and Range
The xylophone has a range of notes based on the length and size of its bars. Longer bars produce lower notes, while shorter bars produce higher notes. The player must know the layout of the instrument and where the notes are located to play melodies or follow musical scores.
Using the Right Range: It’s essential for the player to match the right hand or mallet to the correct pitch range. Most xylophones have both low and high bars, and the player must switch between them depending on the musical passage.
Xylophone Tuning
Xylophone tuning refers to adjusting the pitch of each bar to ensure the instrument produces the correct notes. The bars of a xylophone are typically tuned to a fixed pitch, but slight adjustments can be made during manufacture to improve sound quality.
Tuning Process
Tuning a xylophone is a delicate process that requires both expertise and precision. Each bar is designed to vibrate at a specific frequency, producing a distinct pitch. If a bar is too short, it will produce a higher note, and if it’s too long, it will create a lower pitch.
Adjusting Bar Thickness: The thickness of the bar can influence its pitch. By sanding or shaving the bar, the pitch can be raised or lowered. Thinner bars produce higher pitches, while thicker bars create lower notes.
Resonators: Some modern xylophones include resonators (tubes under the bars) that amplify sound. The tuning of the resonators must also match the pitch of the bars to ensure the instrument’s overall sound is harmonious.
Tuning Accuracy
Xylophone tuning is crucial for ensuring that each note aligns with the correct frequency. In an orchestral or professional setting, tuning is often done in conjunction with other instruments to ensure that all sounds blend perfectly. Some xylophones come with electronic tuners that make the tuning process faster and more precise.
Xylophone Price
The price of a xylophone can vary widely depending on its size, material, brand, and intended use.
Budget Xylophones
For beginners or schools, budget xylophones are often made of synthetic materials or lower-quality wood. These xylophones are smaller in size and typically come with fewer features, such as a lack of resonators. The price for these xylophones can range from $50 to $200, depending on the brand and quality.
Intermediate Xylophones
Intermediate xylophones are usually made from higher-quality materials like rosewood and may include resonators to enhance sound quality. These instruments typically cost between $200 and $1,000. They are often used by music students and in educational settings.
Professional Xylophones
Professional-grade xylophones are constructed with high-quality materials, such as rosewood or synthetic wood, and feature resonators for superior sound projection. These xylophones often cost between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the brand, materials, and size. High-end brands like Yamaha, Adams, and Musser produce xylophones that are trusted by professionals.
Custom and Antique Xylophones
Custom-made or antique xylophones can be even more expensive, with some instruments reaching prices over $10,000. These instruments may feature unique designs or historical value and are often sought by collectors or advanced musicians.
Famous Xylophone Music
The xylophone has been used in many famous pieces of music across various genres. While it is often associated with orchestral and classical music, the xylophone has also found a place in contemporary, jazz, and popular music.
Classical Music
“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: One of the most iconic uses of the xylophone in classical music, this piece features a delicate and whimsical xylophone part that has become a hallmark of holiday music.
“The Planets” by Gustav Holst: The xylophone is used in “Mars, the Bringer of War” to create a bright, sharp sound that symbolizes the energy and intensity of war.
“The Xylophone Song” by Manuel de Falla: A key piece for xylophone players, this Spanish composition showcases the instrument’s versatility and rhythmic qualities.
Jazz and Popular Music
“Xylophone Song” by George Gershwin: Gershwin, known for his contributions to jazz and classical music, wrote a piece that features the xylophone as a solo instrument.
“Jungle Drums” by Artie Shaw: This jazz piece uses the xylophone to evoke the sounds of the jungle, showcasing its rhythmic capabilities.
Xylophone Solos
The xylophone has also featured in many solo performances, particularly in the works of composers like Lejaren Hiller and John Cage, who used the instrument to explore the boundaries of sound and rhythm.
