Concerto for Marimba, Vibraphone and Orchestra, Op. 278
by Darius Milhaud
Composed in 1947 for the percussionist Clair Omar Musser and the marimba virtuoso Ruth Stuber Jeanne, who gave the premiere with the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo, the Concerto for Marimba, Vibraphone and Orchestra Op. 278 is the most important concerto work in the mallet percussion repertoire and the piece most responsible for establishing the marimba and vibraphone as legitimate solo concert instruments. Milhaud's characteristic polytonal language, Mediterranean rhythmic energy, and gift for memorable melodic invention all find expression across the concerto's three movements, while the orchestration — which includes a prominent saxophone part — gives the work a distinctly jazz-influenced character. It remains a centrepiece of international marimba competitions, including the World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart.
Editions
Heugel
Darius Milhaud, 1948
Original composer-authorised edition; the primary performing text with Milhaud's own dynamic and interpretation markings.
Heugel
Editorial staff, 1960
Revised edition with updated orchestral parts and corrected engraving; the standard text for professional performances.
Alphonse Leduc
Editorial staff, 1985
Study score edition with a preface on Milhaud's percussion writing and performance notes for the solo parts.