Rack-Tango-5T

Tango by John Rack is a solo written for 5 timpani. The simple yet engaging melody and bass line and accompaniment of the left hand are transformed in four variations through the use of tango-style rhythms and embellishments. The use of consonant harmonic intervals, ranging from octaves to thirds, makes the drums "sing". The timpanist will be challenged by the independent use of the hands both rhythmically and dynamically, and the frequent use of double stops. Pedaling demands are moderate and all occur on one drum.