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Timpani Temptations

Composer: Letham, James

Price: £12.95

Instrumentation: 2 Timpani
Difficulty: Beginner
Accompaniment: Piano
All 4 pieces use only two timpani, with no re-tuning required within any of the pieces.

INTRADA and DANCE    The majestic procession features fanfare-like ideas, and is followed by a lively and exciting dance – in a toe-tapping 7/8 time, the groupings always being 3+2+2.

SPANISH WALTZ    Featuring exciting syncopations and cross-rhythms (with a nod to Bizet [Carmen] and Shostakovich [Jazz Suite]), the outer sections are in D minor, with a contrasting D major.  Feel free to shout “Ole!” at the end!

TALLY HO!    The galloping opening bars (thank you, Mr Saint-Saëns!) launch us into the world of the hunt, with the timpani having the “Tally-ho!” rhythm at several points in the piece, supported by hunting-horn calls in the piano part.

SHADES OF BLUE    The title arises from the occasional use of acciaccaturas and flattened notes in the piano part – but there’s nothing sad about this exciting piece, which is full of driving rhythms and the occasional bar to trip up the unwary! Have fun!