A Thematic Analysis Of Nicolas Martynciow’s "Impressions Pour Caisse Claire Et Deux Toms" And A Dissection of the Extended Techniques Required For Performance
Abstract
Impressions pour caisse claire et deux toms (1999) by French percussionist Nicolas Martynciow is an extremely challenging multi-movement composition for the snare drum. At over eleven-minutes long, Impressions is one of the longest and most technically demanding works for the solo snare drummer. This composition places significant emphasis on the timbral capabilities of the snare drum and features a wide array of distinct sounds that are generated using both standard and extended techniques. This work also combines stylistic characteristics of rudimental and orchestral snare drum repertoires, as well as several popular music genres including jazz, bebop, soca. It has become a widely-performed piece of percussion repertoire and is frequently requested at auditions and competitions.
This monograph explores the technical, timbral, and stylistic difficulties performers encounter throughout this work. The score analysis helps to clarify specific complexities and challenges throughout this work. It also highlights stylistic changes and how these affect timbral and technical execution. In addition to technical recommendations specific to snare drum performance, this monograph offers suggestions for instrument selection and setup, stick and brush choice, and tuning. The proposed recommendations are informed by pedagogical literature review, direct communication with the composer, and my own insights I have gained through performance. Furthermore, an understanding of the formal structure and thematic development of this work may offer performers the ability to make their own informed choices regarding phrasing and the physical execution of techniques required to create such a wide palette of timbres. Background information on the composer, including a brief biography and discussion of his compositional style is included to further enhance the understanding and performance of this work.
This study draws broad attention to the importance of large-scale snare drum repertoire in collegiate-level percussion curriculums. It is my belief that snare drum technique is fundamental towards technical development on all percussion instruments. With this in mind, having a larger body of significant repertoire to choose from will benefit percussionists, and will bring greater variety to solo performances. As a researcher, it is my intention to promote the creation of new music for the snare drum, as well as to improve pedagogical studies in this area.