Chapinlandia - Marimba Music of Guatemala

Those expecting Guatemalan marimba music to sound in any way picturesquely primitive, or even folky in any meaningful sense, might be shocked by this disc, which features the locally prominent ensemble Marimba Chapinlandia playing a variety of compositions from throughout the 20th century, focusing on the marimba ensemble style that came into its own at around the turn of that century. Featuring multiple marimba players gathered around two or three instruments (as well as accompanying players on bass and drums), the program includes foxtrots, Mexican-influenced corridos, Cuban son, waltzes, boleros, and other dance styles, all of them played in what is a sometimes startlingly smooth and sometimes frankly sentimental style that borders on the schmaltzy. The simple melodies and rather saccharine harmonies of tunes like "Chichicastenango" and "Cobán" shouldn't lull you into missing the sophistication of the arrangements or the rich layers of texture that the ensemble creates, however. In addition to carrying on the traditional sound of the Guatemalan marimba ensemble, this group has also provided the valuable service of preserving music by such notable Guatemalan composers as Paco Pérez, Domingo Bethancourt, and Froilán Rodas Santizo. Highly recommended.