Varèse, Ionisation Edgard Varèse (1883-1965) was born in Paris. He moved to America in 1915 and spent most of his professional life here. He studied music at the Schola Cantorum and the Paris Conservatory. He also spent a good deal of time studying engineering in … Read more
Freer, Etude #1 for Timpani – Scherzo We turn to something a little different today. Last week we looked at the clavichord, an instrument probably unfamiliar to most readers. Today we look at an instrument that is probably very familiar. The timpani is a staple … Read more
Trevino, Catching Shadows This work was written originally for two marimbas. In this sextet version the marimbas play the most prominent role, but I want to focus on the cajón drum (sometimes called a tapa)—maybe the only instrument that you sit on to play. Our trailer for … Read more
Reich, Drumming The relentless rhythm that propels works like Honegger’s Pacific 231 and Prokofiev’s Precipitato (the previous two posts) can be used to a very different effect. One example is Drumming by Steve Reich (b. 1936). Reich is a prominent composer within today’s “minimalist” school. Minimalism refers … Read more
Michael Burritt: Fandango 13 If percussion doesn’t fit into your paradigm of classical music, you might need a bigger paradigm. After all, banging on things that resonate is probably one of the oldest forms of music-making (along with singing). Percussion is important in virtually all … Read more
Get ready to swing with Roland Muzquiz, master percussionist with the Dallas Wind Symphony and someone who can help us to learn what swing really is. Take it away, Roland!