Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
“El Choclo,” composed in 1903 by Ángel Villoldo, is one of the earliest and most enduring tangos of Argentina’s Golden Age. Originally written for small ensembles and later embraced by orchestras and vocalists alike, the piece helped define tango as a sophisticated urban art form rather than a passing dance fad. Its catchy habanera-influenced rhythm, bold melodic turns, and playful swagger made it an instant classic, earning a place in concert halls as well as cafés and dance floors around the world.
In this marimba solo performance, percussionist Matthew Coley reimagines “El Choclo” through the instrument’s wide range and expressive warmth, translating tango’s bite and lyricism into rolling chords, singing melodies, and rhythmic drive. Filmed and edited at Steve Weiss Music headquarters in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, this performance features the new Matthew Coley Signature Series mallets from Salyers Percussion, highlighting both the artistry of Matthew's playing, and the superb craftsmanship of his new mallet line.
For this performance Matthew uses three models in his signature line from Salyers Percussion - (in SATB order) MC-60, MC-60, MC-50, MC-40.
Shop Matthew Coley Signature Mallets - steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=matthew+coley
Shop Steve Weiss Music - steveweissmusic.com
Steve Weiss Music is a proud retailer of all things Salyers Percussion.
#marimba #percussion #marimbamusic #tango #steveweiss #salyerspercussion
@SalyersPercussion @MatthewColey @HeartlandMarimba
“El Choclo,” composed in 1903 by Ángel Villoldo, is one of the earliest and most enduring tangos of Argentina’s Golden Age. Originally written for small ensembles and later embraced by orchestras and vocalists alike, the piece helped define tango as a sophisticated urban art form rather than a passing dance fad. Its catchy habanera-influenced rhythm, bold melodic turns, and playful swagger made it an instant classic, earning a place in concert halls as well as cafés and dance floors around the world.
In this marimba solo performance, percussionist Matthew Coley reimagines “El Choclo” through the instrument’s wide range and expressive warmth, translating tango’s bite and lyricism into rolling chords, singing melodies, and rhythmic drive. Filmed and edited at Steve Weiss Music headquarters in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, this performance features the new Matthew Coley Signature Series mallets from Salyers Percussion, highlighting both the artistry of Matthew's playing, and the superb craftsmanship of his new mallet line.
For this performance Matthew uses three models in his signature line from Salyers Percussion - (in SATB order) MC-60, MC-60, MC-50, MC-40.
Shop Matthew Coley Signature Mallets - steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=matthew+coley
Shop Steve Weiss Music - steveweissmusic.com
Steve Weiss Music is a proud retailer of all things Salyers Percussion.
#marimba #percussion #marimbamusic #tango #steveweiss #salyerspercussion
@SalyersPercussion @MatthewColey @HeartlandMarimba
