Buy

Larissa's Debut Album Neshamarimba

This album is a compilation of many kinds of traditional Jewish music. There are versions of Klezmer dance music, an ancient Yemeni wedding song, odes to Jewish neighborhoods in the old country, and classic rabbinical nigunim (spiritual melodies sung without words). These pieces were first arranged for classical guitar by Tim Sparks on his 1999 album Neshama and further reworked and adapted for the marimba by Larissa Venzie.  The title is a combination of the Hebrew word "neshamah" (meaning "soul" or "breath") and the word "marimba" (meaning "the wood that sings") in the Bantu languages of central Africa.  The album is a delightful way to experience beautiful melodies that have been around for generations in an exciting new way through the voice of the marimba.

1. Skrip, Klezmerl, Skripe                                         4. Kad Jawjuni                                                              7. Meditation on The Baal Shem Tov's Melody                         

2. A Leybedike Honga                                               5. Los Caminos de Sirkeci                                         8. Odessa Mama

3. The Shoemaker's Melody                                       6. Addio Querida

Listen 

The following are excerpts of various styles of Larissa's marimba playing.

(Use headphones or high quality speakers for the best listening experience.)

Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum - C. Debussy/                                  Julia Florida, Barcarola - A. Barrios

                                            Trans. L.H. Stevens

  Sarabande from Cello Suite III - J.S. Bach               Villancico de Navidad - A. Barrios                   Golliwogg's Cakewalk - C. Debussy/

                                                                                                                                                                      Trans. L.H. Stevens

Watch Larissa's Concert of her Debut CD Neshamarimba from Sunday, March 4 2012