Question 1: What is the origin of the term “marimba”?
- Germanic
- Austronesian
- Bantu
Correct Answer: Bantu
Fact: The term "marimba" comes from Bantu languages in sub-Saharan Africa, where "rimba" refers to a type of xylophone and "ma" is a plural prefix. African marimbas were brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade and changed a lot in regions like Guatemala and Mexico. In these places, the marimba was adjusted to local musical traditions, mixing African, indigenous, and European influences. Today, the marimba is an important instrument in various musical genres around the world, known for its rich, resonant sound.
Question 2: In which century did the modern marimba develop in Mexico?
- 19th
- 14th
- 21st
Correct Answer: 19th
Fact: The modern marimba was developed in Mexico during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, there were important improvements made to the instrument's design, including the addition of resonators and standardization of its tuning. These changes helped to improve the marimba's sound and expand its musical capabilities, leading to its increased prominence in Mexican folk and popular music.
Question 3: What type of instrument is the marimba classified as?
- Brass
- String
- Percussion
Correct Answer: Percussion
Fact: The marimba is a percussion instrument that falls under the category of idiophones. It is made up of wooden bars that are struck with mallets to produce musical tones. These bars are set up like a piano keyboard and are often paired with resonators to amplify the sound. The marimba's deep and resonant tones make it a well-liked instrument in many different types of music, such as classical, jazz, and world music.