BD1A621D-7326-4944-89BF-38E07F1FAF45

Update Delete

IDBD1A621D-7326-4944-89BF-38E07F1FAF45
TitlecodeR00076
Title NameThree Pieces: for 5 Timpani, 5 Roto-toms and Wind Ensemble
Marketing CopyIndiana University Symphonic Wind Ensemble 1990
InstrumentationTimpani Solo (d 5 Roto-Toms): 5(2d Piccs).3.6+Eb Cl+BCl.3: AATB Saxes: 4.3.4.2 Euph.2: Perc(4).Pno.Hp
CommissionIndiana University Symphonic Wind Ensemble 1990, Ray Cramer, Conductor
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesThree Pieces for Five Timpani, Five Roto-Toms and Wind Ensemble was transcribed from the original orchestral version in 1989 at the request of Ray Cramer, Professor Emeritus of Bands at Indiana University. The composition was premiered by Mr. Cramer and the IU Wind Ensemble with Bruce Hamilton as the soloist on February 21, 1991 at the CBDNA National Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Each of the work’s three movements has been given a descriptive title that succinctly describes either the movement’s structure or its character. The title of the first “piece” in the set, “Chaconne,” may be somewhat misleading, however. In actuality, this movement is isorhythmically constructed and is comprised of two simultaneous and overlapping taleae – a talea being a repeated rhythmic pattern, an ostinato of sorts, which may have a melodic/harmonic component as well. The first of these is played only by the roto-toms, while the other is fragmented among the high instruments – upper woodwinds, trumpets, horns and mallet percussion. The solo timpani and the low instruments do not participate in the ostinati, but rather challenge and provoke one another as they form into a solid third element.

The second movement is scored exclusively for percussion. As its title, “Diphona,” implies, it consists of alternating dialogues between temple blocks and woodblocks on the one hand and between two antiphonal sets of timpani on the other. The music of the movement is restrained and quiet throughout and provides a much-needed foil to the more boisterous outer sections.

The pitch materials for the third movement, “Lament,” are derived almost entirely from permutations of the five-note row that serves as the basis of Igor Stravinsky’s In Memoriam Dylan Thomas for Tenor Voice, String Quartet and Four Trombones. Stravinsky selected as text for the “Song” (the principal section of his work) the poem Dylan Thomas composed to the memory of his father (Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night). In my own movement, there appear two modified quotes of the “Song’s” brief refrain – that portion of Stravinsky’s music written to the words, “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” This third “piece” is scored for the full ensemble and is the dramatic and structural climax of the complete work.

Claude Baker
Title Brand2
Year Composed1989
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration11
Ensemble Size13
Date Created2008-10-31 20:31:59.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:31:59
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text Author(not set)
Premier Performance Memo(not set)
Recording Credits(not set)
Review"...The pieces were not difficult to follow and could become popular fare. They are full of fascinating sounds..." --Times Union
Awards(not set)
Title Category0
Title MovementsI. Chaconne
II. Diphona
III. Lament
Title Grade(not set)
Set Series ID(not set)
Title Instrument Category TextWind Ensemble
Title Sub Category Text(not set)
Title Sub Category92
Title Instrument Header1
Title Grade Text(not set)
Clean Urlthree-pieces-for-5-timpani-5-roto-toms-and-wind-ensemble-r00076