Chamber Music

concerto for timpani and orchestra

solo part with piano arrangement

The writing of this concerto, which premiered in 2000, was inspired by the largest commissioning consortium to date in music history—39 orchestras. It was also sparked by interest among timpanists based on the composer’s well-known percussion concerto The Glory and the Grandeur and percussion trio Lift-Off. It is visually stimulating due to the unusual variety of mallets and brilliant sticking. Harmonic Rhythm requires 5 drums (4 standard sizes plus a piccolo drum).

A primary feature is the melodic writing for the timpani, which shows the instrument’s expressive range extending into areas of surprising lyricism. There is powerful action, too, of course, with jazz and rock influences, leading to a very big ending.

“A drum-powered whirlwind.”
The Courier Journal (Louisville KY)

“Leading listeners through a revolving door of sound, Russell Peck’s “Concerto for Timpani” proved to be a visceral tour de force ranging from its first soft rumble of thunder to an all-out “Allegro Scherzando” that cries out to be choreographed . . . beautiful arching lines and unexpected lyricism.”
Naples Daily News

“Timpani piece is highlight of concert . . . overflows with melodic ideas that give way to one another in kaleidoscopic fashion . . . interesting and compelling music for the soloist . . . equally compelling music for the full orchestra.”
The Repository (Canton OH)

“an innovative and exciting musical experience . . . A many faceted amalgam of rich lyricism, modernistic dissonance, jazz, and rock . . . long standing ovation, the bravos, and the whistlers . . . “
The Ridgefield Press

“It’s exhilarating to the ears and a source of astonishment to the eyes.”
Winston-Salem Journal

“a high-impact kaleidoscope of rhythmic and harmonic colors . . . an astonishing array of moods and effects . . . the timpani will never be the same”
Charleston Post & Courier

“a brilliant work with all the energy, optimism, and brazen romanticism of the 21st century . . . coherent and dramatically satisfying . . .
Evansville Courier & Press

“breathtaking climactic action and rhythmic drama . . . a moving, delightful performance that was as fascinating to watch as to hear”
The Times Union (Jacksonville, FL)

duration: 22′

(2000)

3(3rd db. picc.)/2+E.h./2+b.cl./2+cbn.   4/3/3/1
2 perc.   piano   strings
solo timpani

Review in “Percussive Notes”
The Journal of the Percussive Arts Society

In the year 2000 a timpani wave was started by Jim Brown, Principal Timpanist of the Savannah Symphony Orchestra and composer Russell Peck. I am speaking of “Harmonic Rhythm,” a concerto for timpani and orchestra performed by 39 orchestras.

The concerto opens with a crescendoed low-D roll, which leads into a massive statement by the orchestra, setting the stage for what is to follow – much like a curtain opening for a play. There are four sections to the composition: Section I is melodic and centers around the development of the melodic material. Section II is quite rhythmic and climaxes in a technical display of three-mallet playing. Section III is slow and uses such effects as dead strokes, brushes and wood mallets. Section IV returns to a more rapid rhythmic display with a brief harmonic quasi cadenza that leads to a dramatic ending.

The concerto is written for four standard pedal drums plus a piccolo drum that may be the hand-tuned type. Besides the orchestration there is a piano reduction that would be perfect for a percussion recital.

“Harmonic Rhythm” represents not only the rhythmic and dynamic qualities of timpani but also their melodic qualities. Peck understands the instrument both for its potential and its limits. I can’t help but think that Jim Brown helped a bit here. From the opening roll to the thundering ending, Peck challenges the player musically and technically and has composed a concerto with rewards for the performer and audience.

-John H. Beck

Reprinted by permission of the Percussive Arts Society, Inc., 701 NW Ferris Ave., Lawton, OK 73507-5442

A special thank you to the late Jim Brown, timpanist with the Savannah Symphony, who first spoke to Russell about writing a timpani concerto. Jim contacted many of his fellow timpani colleagues across the country who conveyed their enthusiasm for the project, and with their orchestras performed the concerto as members of the commissioning consortium. Our thanks to Jim for his inspiration, enthusiasm and musicianship.

The following is a list of the orchestras that commissioned Harmonic Rhythm:

To purchase this contact: Steve Weiss Music (215) 659-0100 Eble Music Co. (319) 338-0313 www.eble.com For more information about Harmonic Rhythm under the SYMPHONIC MUSIC/CONCERTOS listing, click here Percussive Arts Society review LISTEN to audio samples:

Excerpt of timpani concerto with full orchestra performed by Orquestra Filarmónica de Bogotá Cond. Eduardo Carrizosa Solist Willian León Auditorio León de Greiff Nov/2011:

Three movements of Harmonic Rhythm with timpani and piano accompaniment, performed by Momoe Sakurai, accompanied by Jennifer Duerden: