Author: Alan Abel

Title: 20th Century Orchestral Studies for Timpani

Description: Compiled by former Philadelphia Orchestra Percussionist Alan Abel, the 20th Century Orchestra Studies contain many of the more recently composed orchestral parts for timpani. The book covers a wide variety of composers and pieces, as well as some interesting orchestral parts for two timpanists. This collection is quite valuable as a study tool, especially considering that many of these pieces are hard to find elsewhere. Unlike the Carroll or Goldenberg books, the parts in Abel’s book are not always complete and, in most cases, could not be used for performance. Like the Goldenberg timpani compilations Abel does not given any kind of personal commentary. However, Abel includes certain instrumental or rhythmic cues which are very helpful when listening or practicing.

Included in this edition:

  • Barber – Medea’s Meditation and Dance of Vengeance
  • Barber – Piano Concerto
  • Barber – Second Essay for Orchestra
  • Barber – Toccata Festiva
  • Bernstein – Overture to Candide
  • Bernstein – On the Waterfront
  • Bernstein – The Age of Anxiety (Symphony No. 2)
  • Blacher – Orchester Ornament
  • Blacher – Variations on a Theme of Paganini
  • Carter – Variations for Orchestra
  • Chavez – Sinfonia India
  • Creston – Invocation and Dance
  • Harris – Third Symphony
  • Hartmann – Sixth Symphony
  • Hindemith – Symphonic Metamorphosis
  • Holst – The Planets
  • Kabalevsky – Overture to Colas Breugnon
  • Nielsen – Fourth Symphony
  • Orff – Carmina Burana
  • Piston – Fourth Symphony
  • Prokofiev – Classical Symphony
  • Prokofiev – Sixth Symphony
  • Revueltas – Sensemaya
  • Schuman – Judith
  • Schuman – New England Triptych
  • Schuman – Sixth Symphony
  • Shostakovich – Sixth Symphony
  • Shostakovich – Seventh Symphony
  • Sibelius – Seventh Symphony
  • Strauss – Don Juan
  • Strauss – Salome’s Dance
  • Stravinsky – Jeu de Cartes
  • Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring
  • Weinberger – Polka and Fugue from ‘Shvanda’

Annotated by: Greg Simonds