Medieval Marimba and song with Naomi Columna & Katalin La Favre
February 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
In this program, singer Naomi Columna and percussionist Katalin La Favre explore vocal works from the Medieval and Renaissance period navigating through the various colors of an instrument that was not yet in existence in Western culture, the marimba. The marimba takes on different musical roles, at times accompanying Columna’s nuanced voice with what was originally the gentle plucking of lute accompaniment, and at other moments, taking on the role of the voice in medieval duets harmonizing with Columna. Extended techniques, such as bowing the bars and adding preparations to the marimba explore unique sonic possibilities in this repertoire rarely heard on the instrument. Columna and La Favre look upon these early music masterpieces with contemporary eyes, performing works by composers such as John Dowland, Claudin de Sermisy, Alfonso Ferrabosco and Guillaume de Machaut.
