Mjölnir (piano reduction)

Mjölnir is a concerto for timpani accompanied by either piano or wind ensemble. The music of the concerto follows loosely the Norse mythology surrounding Thor, the God of Thunder, and his hammer, Mjölnir. Each movement represents part of the general atmosphere of the stories, including the two battling worlds engulfed in fire and ice, as well as the war between the two worlds.

Genre: Solo Timpani with Piano | # of Players: 2
Level: Medium Difficult | Duration: 20:40

Instrumentation
Solo Timpani (5 drums)
Piano

Program Notes
Mjölnir is a concerto for timpani accompanied by either piano or wind ensemble. The piece, lasting approximately 20 minutes, is intended for an advanced timpanist accompanied by a collegiate level ensemble or professional accompanist, and is cast in three movements.

The music of the concerto follows loosely the Norse mythology surrounding Thor, the God of Thunder, and his hammer, Mjölnir. Each movement represents part of the general atmosphere of the stories, including the two battling worlds engulfed in fire and ice, as well as the war between the two worlds (which has been told in numerous ways).

The soloist throughout the piece will function as the hammer itself. Timpanists performing this work should consider heavier and darker mallets to emulate a thunderous aesthetic throughout each movement. Mobility is also key in performing the solo part, so for passages such as the opening of the first movement, the timpanist may either consider an alternate set-up (more than five drums) or lighter mallets for increased flexibility. Regardless, this concerto is intended for a five-drum setup.

The world premiere of Mjölnir was performed by timpani soloist Konstantine Vlasis and the Tennessee Tech University Chamber Wind Ensemble (an ensemble created specifically for this performance), conducted by Eric Harris.