Feminine Fusion

August 3 – 9: Striking Music

by Diane Jones

August 3, 2019

The Caixa Trio

“Percussion is the most adaptable family of instruments.   The biggest challenge is to project percussion in a lyrical way.” – Evelyn Glennie

In many cultures, only the men are permitted to play drums.  Women may sing and dance, but drumming, well, that’s left to the men.    But those norms are being challenged.  For example, the Didá School of Music in Salvador, Bahia “is dedicated to improving the condition of women and children through constructive social engagement revolving around a core of music and dance classes offered at the Didá educational center.”

On this episode of Feminine Fusion, we’ll take a look at some women percussionists who are breaking down stereotypes.

“Striking Music”

Oriol Cruixent:  Marimba Moshka
Vivi Vassileva, marimba
“Singin’ Rhythm”
Alpha 463

Keiko Abe:  Michi, for marimba
Rebecca Kite, marimba
“Prism”
CD Baby

Astor Piazzolla:  Tango Suite
Nancy Zeltsman, marimba
“Woodcuts”
GM Records 2043

Michael Aukofer:  Neophilia
The Caixa Trio
“Commissioned Works”
CD Baby

Nancy van de Vate:  Two for Two
Jane Boxall, marimba
“Chamber Music, Vol. IX”
Vienna Modern Masters 2055

Eric Ewazen:  Northern Lights
She-e Wu, marimba
“Snapshot”
CD Baby

Pat Metheny:  Letter from Home
Anne-Julie Caron, marimba
“La recontre”
Atma 22608

Run time:  58:29

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music.  Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire.  Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.