Timpani Forces by Mendel Lee is a virtuosic four-movement piece for solo timpani that emphasizes the melodic nature of the instrument, instead of treating the instrument like four really big drums.
The first movement, Rising, Falling, is centered around a four note motif that comes back over and over, sometimes modified, sometimes echoed, and sometimes supported by a pedal bass. A sophisticated control of tempo is needed here.
The second movement, Explosion, is just that - a flurry of sixteenth notes that end up being white noise against a clear melody. Creating the effect of a singing melody against a light tremolo is much easier said than done, especially when significant pedaling is called for!
The third movement, Pendulum, asks the performer to play rhythmically precise wavering glissandos, sometimes between multiple drums. This will probably be a new technique to most percussion students out there.
The final movement, Momentum, drives forward with unrelenting motion, using heavy accents and some very quick hands to finish the piece in grand fashion. Chances are you'll be sweating before the end.
Difficulty: Advanced
Duration: 17:00
