INTERVIEW: Marimbist Mika Stoltzman readies Carnegie Hall concert
Photo: Mika Stoltzman is a world-renowned marimbist. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by AMT PR with permission.
Mika Stoltzman, the world-renowned marimbist, will perform Tuesday, May 2 at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City. The program will feature some of Stoltzman’s interpretations of classic compositions by Bach, plus contemporary pieces by John Ross, Geoffrey Keezer, John Zorn and Keith Jarrett. Even selections from Chick Corea and Paul Simon have made the final cut.
This special event will mark the 11th time Stoltzman has appeared at Carnegie Hall, according to press notes. She is so well-respected in her field that many of the pieces she’ll perform in New York City were actually written specifically for her talents, including “Birthday Song for Mika” by the late, great Corea. The Keezer piece (“Past Life Lullabies”) and one of the Ross pieces (“Pulse Wave”) will surely be highlights because they’re world premieres. Her recording efforts over the years have matched the breadth of her live performances. Her recent album is Spirit of Chick Corea with Steve Gadd and Richard Stoltzman (Richard will also be at the Carnegie Hall show on clarinet).
Stoltzman grew up on a small island in southern Japan, according to her official biography, and she learned music at a young age because of relatives who played piano and Japanese traditional instruments. She came to the marimba, which is a unique percussion instrument, at age 18. Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Stoltzman about her upcoming Carnegie Hall show. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What inspired you to become a marimbist? Is it a love that goes back to being a child?
My aunt was a piano teacher, and I started playing the piano at the age of 3. When I was in junior high school, I joined the brass band club and fell in love with the drums. After that, I discovered the marimba at a music college and decided that the mix of drums and piano would be perfect for me.
What do you like about the music of Geoffrey Keezer and Joel Ross?
Both are new works with a very unique approach.
Is “Past Life Lullabies” a particularly challenging piece to perform? How long have you been working on this world premiere?
I don’t think there are many technical challenges, but there are musical challenges. I received the piece in the middle of December; however, I was Japan, and I had a recording in early January. So it was not until mid-January when I started seriously working on this piece.
What was it like premiering “Pulse Wave” in Tokyo in 2021?
I really like Joel Ross’s approach to music, so I commissioned him for a new solo marimba piece. At first I was confused because it was really simple, but I like its sense of rhythm, harmony and space between sounds. At the first Tokyo premiere, I didn’t really understand it yet, but after concentrating on recording the new album, it’s very interesting. And I love it because it’s very fresh and different from other repertoires. I feel that he is a true artist.
Do you feel that the marimba is a misunderstood or underappreciated instrument?
I don’t think so, but it may be an instrument that is not well recognized and appreciated. The history of concert marimba is short, and there are few famous songs. Also, compared to other instruments, the timbre and sound quality are not perfect, and it may be because it is too rustic. But on the contrary, I think that I can make music that makes use of that simplicity.
Do you feel more at home in the world of jazz or classical?
Basically, I don’t improvise much, so my focus is on classical music. But jazz is what I feel most comfortable with. The feeling of groove naturally permeates my body. Besides, I can enjoy the free feeling away from the sheet music.
How did the late, great Chick Corea come to write you a “Birthday Song for Mika”?
About a year ago, shortly after I recorded Bach “Chaconne” on solo marimba, I made up my mind to give a solo recital again after a long interval. Carnegie should be the venue, I thought, because in spite of multiple appearances, I’ve never been satisfied with my playing there, but something special always happened on stage. Finding June 12 in the open date list, which is Chick Corea’s birthday, I didn’t hesitate to pick it up immediately. He has been my music hero for decades.
At the same time, I thought, what if Chick, who loves marimba so much that he owns two at home, could write a solo piece for me, my longtime dream, and I could premiere it on his birthday? Chick wrote back, “I would love to do this for you,” to my anxious email.
At the end of March, a lovely piece called “Birthday Song for Mika” finally arrived. In the course of my practice, I realized that I should approach this music quite a different way from Bach. Chick always told me that the marimba is between piano and drum, and it’s originally a primitive African folk instrument.
Why do I love Chick’s music? Because, it’s catchy yet full of complicated rhythms and harmonies hidden inside — so much fun to play, not simple at all. At first, I started practice by listening to the demo Chick sent to me and reading the music to metronome beats. Then I tried to analyze the concealed connection between notes, and I knew that I needed to feel the groove flowing underneath and singing. I find something new every time I play it, which could be spontaneous if I wish. I’m quite sure this song is for me indefinitely. I’m so happy that at last I’ve got the lifelong work that I can keep on playing as well as Bach “Chaconne.” I do hope a lot of marimbists will also love and play this in the future. Thanks a million Chick for writing such amazing music for me!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Marimbist Mika Stoltzman will perform “Bach and Beyond for Marimba” Tuesday, May 2 at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
