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VARÈSE'S DRUM: THE TAROLE IN ‘IONISATION’

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 October 2013

Brian Holder
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Abstract

Edgard Varèse's Ionisation was a groundbreaking composition that presented unique ideas and problems concerning percussion orchestration. This article examines correspondence between Varèse and Nicolas Slonimsky about the tarole – a snare drum used in the work. In one letter Varèse sketched this instrument in order to show its relationship with a more common orchestral snare drum of the period. This information provides insight into performance practice and the orchestral conception of the work.

Type
Research Article
Information
Tempo , Volume 67 , Issue 266 , October 2013 , pp. 65 - 68
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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References

1 An examination of published scores and available recordings can be found in Heine, Erik and Steffen, David, ‘Ionisation: a Comparative Analysis of Published Editions and Recordings’, Percussive Notes (June 2009), pp. 52–6Google Scholar.

2 Steve Smith, ‘Banging Out a Revolution in Just 91 Measures’, New York Times (13 July, 2010).

3 Varèse, Edgard. ‘The Liberation of Sound’ in Treitler, Leo, ed., Source Readings in Music History (New York: W.W. Norton and Co., 1998)Google Scholar, p. 1339.

4 Ouellette, Fernand, Edgard Varese (New York: Da Capo Press, 1981)Google Scholar, p. 46.

5 His descriptions were given in the 1934 edition of the score, and were reprinted in Goldenberg, Morris, Modern School for Snare Drum with a Guide Book for the Artist Percussionist (Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 1955), p. 163Google Scholar. The 1934 edition will be referenced throughout this paper, as it is readily available.

6 Varese, Edgar, Ionisation (San Francicso: New Music Orchestra Series, 1934)Google Scholar.

7 Available on compact disc. Ionisation (Symposium Records, 2000).

8 Siwe, Thomas, ‘Edgard Varèse's Ionisation: Analysis and Performance Problems’, Percussive Notes (October, 1994)Google Scholar, p. 73.

9 Historic Works for Percussion Ensemble (1931–1942) (Equilibrium Records, 2002).

10 ‘Slonimsky, Nicholas,’ in Slonimsky, Nicholas, ed., Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (New York: Schirmer, 1992)Google Scholar, p. 1726.

11 Henry Cowell, letter to Nicolas Slonimsky (14 February, 1933), Nicolas Slonimsky collection, Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., Call no.: ML31.S6.

12 Henry Cowell, letter to Nicolas Slonimsky (16 February, 1933), Nicolas Slonimsky collection, Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., Call no.: ML31.S6.

13 Henry Cowell, letter to Nicolas Slonimsky (16 February, 1933).

14 Edgar Varèse, Ionisation.

15 There is at least one recording of Ionisation that used the Theremin in place of the siren. See Heine and Steffen, ‘Ionisation’.

16 Edgar Varèse, letter to Nicolas Slonimsky (17 December, 1933), Nicolas Slonimsky collection, Music Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., Call no.: ML31.S6.

17 Ibid.