Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Monograph

Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts

Program

Music

Supervisor

Ball, Jill

2nd Supervisor

Watson, Kevin

Co-Supervisor

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.

Summary for Lay Audience

Impressions pour caisse claire et deux toms was composed by French percussionist and composer Nicolas Martynciow in 1999. This work features a wide array of sounds that percussionists must create in a variety of ways. It has become a popular piece of repertoire and is frequently requested at auditions and competitions. At over eleven-minutes long, Impressions is one of the longest and most challenging compositions for the solo snare drummer.

This monograph aims to clarify specific complexities and challenges that this work presents. The analysis will also highlight stylistic changes as this work bridges several styles of music. A performer’s guide will offer technical suggestions, as well as offering advice for instrument selection and setup, stick and brush suggestions, and tuning recommendations. The proposed recommendations are informed by review of relevant literature, direct communication with the composer, and 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 in their performances. Background information on the composer, including a brief biography and discussion of his compositional style is also featured to further enhance the understanding and performance of this work.

This study also intends to broadly draw attention to the importance of large-scale snare drum repertoire in collegiate-level percussion curriculums. It is my belief that snare drum technique serves as the fundamental building block for the technical development on all percussion instruments. As pedagogues, it is important to draw attention large-scale works like Impressions in hopes that additional similar repertoire can be created in the future.

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