Geaux (Duet for Snare Drum & Timpani) [DIGITAL]

Write A Review

1. Percussive Notes New Literature Review

   “Geaux” is a percussion duet that explores timbral possibilities for snare drum and timpani in a chamber setting...At just over five minutes in length, it is wonderfully suited as an opener or closer for any undergraduate recital. The piece begins and ends with similar rhythmic material, most of which is either in unison or traded between the instruments. Heavily favoring eighth-note quintuplets, the dynamic contrast and accent patterns challenge the players’ technical control and ensemble awareness. The middle two sections are significantly shorter than the outer sections but provide a drastic change in character. The first section, marked “Dance,” gives each player a short, melodic feature. This transitions into “Tinkering,” which experiments with timbral effects including rimshots, mallet changes, and playing directly on the bowl of the drum.
   
   While rhythmically precise, the composer indicates that both players should improvise between playing on the rim and on their sticks, as well as striking different areas of the rim with different parts of their sticks. This is a great chance for students to take liberties as performers while learning to satisfy the requests of the composer.
   
   Overall, I highly recommend “Geaux” for your students. It is a fantastic addition to the repertoire for this instrument combination and offers a variety of educational opportunities for players both as percussionists and chamber musicians.
   
   Danielle Moreau
   Percussive Notes
   Vol. 59, No. 2, April 2021 Danielle Moreau on Jun 16th 2022

2. Nice

   Nice Unknown on Aug 12th 2021