This thesis explores two solo pieces "Marimba I" and "Marimba II" composed by the modern Japanese composer Tokuhide Niimi, to understand the ideas and grammar the composer wishes to convey, and then apply them to interpretation and performance. Tokuhide Niimi uses modern composition techniques, with unique texture and velocity cleverly endowing phrases with strong conflict and opposition, and uses the characteristics of tremolo and different speed to create vertical and horizontal fusion and contrast.

This thesis consists of five chapters. The first explains the research motivation and purpose, research scope, and methods. Next follows a summary of the life, awards and compositions of Tokuhide Niimi. The third and fourth chapters are the in-depth discussion of the characteristics, music phrasing, melody structure and paragraph differences of the two Marimba works, and explanation of the musical imagery and scenarios conveyed by it. This musical analysis leads into the discussion of interpretation and suitable performance technique. The final section presents the findings and the author's reflections on the research process.