David Valdés

The bass drum in “Symphonie Fantastique” (H. Berlioz)

The bass drum in “Symphonie Fantastique” (H. Berlioz) Berlioz´s “Symphonie Fantastique” is always a treat. I have played it on many occasions and on different instruments. Playing it again on the week of June 2-6, together with the Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias, has been a real pleasure.   This time I was on… Continue reading The bass drum in “Symphonie Fantastique” (H. Berlioz)

Timpani in “Falstaff” (G. Verdi)

Timpani in “Falstaff” (G. Verdi) Since the last couple of weeks I am in Valladolid playing a wonderful production of “Falstaff” (G. Verdi) together with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León under the baton of Óliver Díaz.   As you already know, the timpani parts in Italian opera are often discussed because the “alien”… Continue reading Timpani in “Falstaff” (G. Verdi)

“Scheherezade”, roll or articulate?

“Scheherezade”, roll or articulate? Despite being one of the milestones in the symphonic repertoire, “Scheherezade” features, believe or not, many mistakes and misprints. Belaieff (I have already mentioned him in previous articles) published the score and parts in 1899 in Leipzig. Since then, we have played using the exact same edition: 135 years perpetuating the… Continue reading “Scheherezade”, roll or articulate?

Timpani in “Messiah”.

Timpani in “Messiah”. We are getting very close to “Messiah season” so, why not having a look at this perennial classic?   This year I will be playing timpani for the Christmas concert while my colleagues are in the pit playing “Aida”. I have started preparing for the rehearsals and I have found some interesting… Continue reading Timpani in “Messiah”.

Mahler No. 3. Snare drum in the distance.

Mahler No. 3. Snare drum in the distance. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the “Príncipe Felipe” auditorium in Oviedo, the Oviedo Filarmonía and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias join forces to play one of the most monumental works in the repertoire: Mahler´s Symphony No. 3.   This time, I am in charge of… Continue reading Mahler No. 3. Snare drum in the distance.