The Extensive List of Percusssion Rep
The Extensive List of Percusssion Rep
The Extensive List of Percusssion Rep
Because of the ever-growing amount of literature written for percussion, it’s challenging to develop
a working repertoire list that will include all of the “must haves” for each level of percussionist.
Not to mention, hundreds of new works are being published every year as ensemble configurations
grow and soloist instrumentations become more creative. The combinations are truly endless,
making a “current” index next to impossible. However, I’ve taken the time to compile and organize
lists I’ve found online, been given, or created myself into what I hope is a helpful “master list” for
students, professionals, and educators alike.
Literature ranges from advanced high school to graduate level. Bold titles mentioned in
descriptions are also bold within the list. Maroon titles are a few of my personal favorites.
SNARE DRUM
What would a list of snare drum repertoire be without first mentioning Delécluse. He composed
his 12 Studies for Snare Drum in the mid 1900s, when there was very little written for snare
drum. These works are dear to percussionists because they are among the first to show off the
musical capabilities of the drum. Other popular pieces in this lineup include Mitch Markovich’s
Tornado, Askel Masson’s Prim, and Andy Akiho’s Stop Speaking.
SOLO
I/II
III/IV
Downfall of Paris
Connecticut Halftime
The General
TIMPANI REPERTOIRE
The first piece of solo timpani repertoire I want to mention is Elliot Carter’s Eight Pieces for
Four Timpani. Like Delécluse’s snare studies, Carter’s timpani works are important because they
are among the first. It’s also worth noting that they are interesting. Other standard timpani works
include John Beck’s Sonata for Timpani, John Bergamo’s Four Pieces for Timpani, and
William Cahn’s Raga No.1.
SOLO
Morton Feldman’s The King of Denmark, Iannis Xenakis’ Psappha, and David Lang’s The
Anvil Chorus are a few examples of works that put multi-percussion on the map. Other
standards in this genre of percussion include Echhard Kopetzki’s Canned Heat and Dave
Hollinden’s Cold Pressed. (See what I did there?) If you’re looking for a hand drum piece, check out
To the Gods of Rhythm for djembe and voice by Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic. For newer works,
Blade by Benjamin Finley is becoming increasing popular, as well as anything written by Casey
Cangelosi.
Hiller, Lejaren / O’Conner, G Allen Computer Music for Percussion and Tape*
DUETS
DRUMSET REPERTOIRE
(composed)
Defining a list of drum set books can be challenging. Due to the large number of styles and
techniques that accompany drum set playing, it's important to document method books that are
versatile. For example, George Lawrence's Stick Control is often utilized in all genres to help
develop hand/food coordination. Beyond the method books are a list of composed pieces for drum
set. A few of my personal favorites are Monkey Chant by Glenn Kotche, Stompin' in Seven
by David Reeves, and Brush by Stewert Saunders Smith.
MALLET REPERTOIRE
Before this early 1940s, marimbists relied primarily on transcriptions from other instruments such
as keyboard, cello, violin, etc. for solo repertoire. Johann Sebastian Bach was among popular
composers to transcribe with Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor and the infamous Six Suites
for Cello. Since the 1950s, however, the number of pieces written for solo marimba has exploded.
We’ve now been given a wide range to choose from, both technically and stylistically, but there
will always be marimba literature that will continue to be played again and again. A few examples
of these are Gordon Stout’s Two Mexican Dances, Paul Smadbeck’s Rhythm Song, and
Libertango by Eric Sammut.
The list below includes various levels of technicality, from Grade I solos like Sea Refractions by
Mitchell Peters to Grade V like Joseph Schwanter’s Velocities. Then there’s vibraphone solos
and composers like Christopher Deane, achieving notoriety with Mourning Dove Sonnet and
The Apocryphal Still Life. Overall, there are many, many solos to choose from and every
percussionist has an opinion on which ones are “best” or “most popular”. The important thing to
remember is to explore your options and find a piece that you’re passionate about, because you’re
probably going to be spending lots of quality time with it and a practice room.
SOLO
(2) : two mallets | (4) : four mallets | (2/4) : two or four mallets
I / II
Pimentel, Linda Lorren / Moore, James L The Solo Marimbist Vol. I, II (4)
III/IV
Khachaturian, Aram / arr. Stevens, Leigh Howard The Adventures of Ivan (4)
Schumann, Robert / Stevens, Leigh Howard Album for the Young (4)
MARIMBA TRANSCRIPTIONS
JAZZ VIBRAPHONE
MALLET DUETS
Trevino, Ivan 2 + 1
Abel, Alan
Carroll, Raynor
Cirone, Anthony
Denov, Sam
Genis, Tim
*edited by Anthony Cirone
Symphonic Repertoire for Percussion Accessories
Goldenberg, Morris
Grover/Whaley
Max, Randy
Payson, Al
Todd Meehan
additions or edits?
Contact Sarah directly through her website.
http://www.sajaspace.com/