Beck-Concerto for Timpani and Percussion (SP)-4T solo/P/M/X/V/B/

John Beck's Concerto for Timpani and Percussion starts with a slow introduction followed by an acceleration into a brief ad-lib cadenza. Following are two sections using the same melodic material, yet they are quite different from each other. The middle section of the work is done in a senza misura style with spatial notation for the timpanist. A harmonic modulation follows this section and the melodic content of the last section is taken through several rhythmic changes. The composition ends in an exciting manner, giving the timpanist a final brief cadenza.

Number of Players: 6
Difficulty: Grade 6
Instrumentation:

Player I: 4 Timpani

Player II: Marimba, Xylophone, 2 Brake Drums

Player III: Vibraphone, 4 Concert Toms, Chimes*, Bongos*

Player IV: Bells, Chimes*, Bongos*

Player V: Snare Drum

Player VI: Bass Drum, 2 Woodblocks, Claves, Gong

*Player III and IV share Chimes and Bongos.

John H. Beck was a member of the U.S. Marine Band for four years before joining the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra as Principal Percussionist in 1959 and becoming Principal Timpanist in 1962. A recipient of B.M. and M.M. degrees from the Eastman School of Music, he currently heads its Percussion Department and is conductor of the Eastman Percussion Ensemble.