“Castagnettes de fer” in “Samson and Dehlila”. “Samson and Delilah”, by Camille Saint-Saëns, is an opera premiered in 1877 containing some interesting percussion parts. So, the glockenspiel in the 3º scene of the 3º act is a usual suspect in audition lists, the timpani part in the “Bacchanale” is a good one (and also an… Continue reading “Castagnettes de fer” in “Samson and Delilah”.
Tag: blog
A curiosity: on the anatomical and physical conditions required to play a drum
A curiosity: on the anatomical and physical conditions to play a drum. As you already may know, I have a keen interest in everything related to the history and tradition of drums. Searching for information in the Biblioteca Virtual del Ministerio de Defensa (“Virtual Library of the Ministry of Defense”), I found a book entitled… Continue reading A curiosity: on the anatomical and physical conditions required to play a drum
The New Year’s concert, the “Österreichische locke” and tradition on snare drum
The New Year’s concert, the “Österreichische locke” and tradition on snare drum With the New Year´s Concert still fresh, today I´d like to write about something we all like: the snare drum “solo” preceding the traditional “Radetzky March”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhEGMSOIptw Here you have the snare drum part. Apart from some misprints here and there, which can… Continue reading The New Year’s concert, the “Österreichische locke” and tradition on snare drum
Chinese cymbals, how should I set them up?
Chinese cymbals, how should I set them up? How to set the Chinese cymbals is a question that is asked quite often in groups, forums, etc. I wil try to clarify this issue, but first, let me review their history. Chinese cymbals have been made, literally, for millennia. They were always played in pairs, hitting one… Continue reading Chinese cymbals, how should I set them up?
14th International Percussion Festival in Mislata
14th Internacional Percussion Festival in Mislata. Next Saturday, October 20th, I will be teaching a masterclass invited by the XIV Mislata International Percussion Festival (Valencia-Spain). It will take place at Liceu de Música de Mislata between 10:00 and 14:00. I will talk about the new Spanish edition of “Método de Movimiento para Marimba”, will deal… Continue reading 14th International Percussion Festival in Mislata
DIY “Rute”
DIY “rute”. In ten days, rehearsals for Mahler #6 will start. I will be in charge of the bass drum and, as you may know, there is a European tradition which ties together this instrument and the rute. A rute is a bunch of twigs used to hit the bass drum shell, resulting in a… Continue reading DIY “Rute”
“Armonica a bicchieri” in Donizetti´s operas
“Armonica a bicchieri” in Donizetti´s operas. There is a video which has become quite popular among percussionists in the last few days. It features a rehearsal of “Lucia di Lammermoor” at the Metropolitan Opera; more precisely, the famous “mad scene” (“Il dulce suono…”, act III, scene 2). The curious thing about it is its historically… Continue reading “Armonica a bicchieri” in Donizetti´s operas
“Method of movement for Marimba” already in Spanish
“Method of Movement for Marimba” already in Spanish. Last April 9th was a very special day: after very hard work, effort and excitement, “Método de Movimiento para Marimba” (L. H. Stevens) was, at last, published. This is a long awaited project into which both Leigh and I have put our best. My job? Translating into… Continue reading “Method of movement for Marimba” already in Spanish
Restoration of a rope drum
Restoration of a rope drum. While working on my own 16″x16″ historical rope drum (“DIY historic rope tension drum I”, “DIY historic rope tension drum II” and future articles), I came across an already made 14″x12″ drum at a very good price, so I could not resist the temptation and got it. Said drum was… Continue reading Restoration of a rope drum
“Tavolette” in “Feste Romane”
“Tavolette” in “Feste Romane”. At the end of the last season I was lucky enough to play “Feste Romane” (“Roman Festivals”) which, together with “Fountains” and “Pines”, form Ottorino Respighi´s “Roman Triptych”. It is a work featuring an exuberant, imaginative and brilliant orchestration. It requires a “percusive force” of one timpanist plus nine percussionists and, in… Continue reading “Tavolette” in “Feste Romane”