13 Facts About Keiko Abe

Keiko Abe is a Japanese composer and marimba player.

Keiko Abe has been a primary figure in the development of the marimba, in terms of expanding both technique and repertoire, and through her collaboration with the Yamaha Corporation, developed the modern five-octave concert marimba.

Keiko Abe attended Tokyo Gakugei University where she completed a bachelor's and master's degree in music education.

Keiko Abe began working in the Nippon Columbia, NHK, and other recording studios while in college.

Keiko Abe began her recording career, putting out 13 albums in a five-year span.

In 1963, the Yamaha Corporation sought Japanese marimba players to assist in the design of their new instruments; Keiko Abe was chosen for her original and clear ideas of the marimba sound and design, particularly her concept of how the marimba should be able to blend in ensembles, for example, moving away from the inconsistencies and lack of focus of folk percussion instruments.

Keiko Abe has been closely associated with Yamaha ever since, and their first ever signature series of keyboard percussion mallets bears her name.

Keiko Abe's music is published primarily by Xebec Music Publishing, Tokyo and Schott, Japan.

Keiko Abe is active in promoting the development of literature for the marimba, not only by writing pieces herself, but by commissioning works by other composers and encouraging young composers.

One of the most performed percussion quartets featuring marimba, "Marimba Spiritual," by Minoru Miki, is among the many works commissioned and supported by Keiko Abe, and is dedicated to her.

Keiko Abe has added at least 70 compositions to the repertoire.

Keiko Abe uses improvisation as an important element in developing her musical ideas which she then uses in her compositions.

Keiko Abe was the first woman to be inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1993.