The same wonderful artistry I witnessed in Evergreen, CO during the summer of 1981. A magnificent performance of one of the great works in the percussion repertoire.
One striking feature of this piece: how well the composer understood exactly what the timpani could accomplish musically, and how far he could go in challenging a skilled player. For example: Although the timpani are considered a pitched instrument, those actual pitches tend to disappear into its percussive timbre. But upon giving them any melodic motif, Mr. Kraft often immediately repeats it in another instrument or section - almost as a sort of musical subtitle. Also notable is the Buddy Rich - like speed the music sometimes requires, on an instrument whose five notes sit several yards apart. None of this is entirely surprising, though. Besides composing, Mr. Kraft was also one of the foremost timpanists in the world, and played with the LA Philharmonic.
I never tire of this music. Unbelievable.
The same wonderful artistry I witnessed in Evergreen, CO during the summer of 1981. A magnificent performance of one of the great works in the percussion repertoire.
bravo Randy! Wonderful!
What a great performance!
Great performance of a Great Maestro!!! Hope to see you again in Peru :-)
One striking feature of this piece: how well the composer understood exactly what the timpani could accomplish musically, and how far he could go in challenging a skilled player.
For example: Although the timpani are considered a pitched instrument, those actual pitches tend to disappear into its percussive timbre. But upon giving them any melodic motif, Mr. Kraft often immediately repeats it in another instrument or section - almost as a sort of musical subtitle.
Also notable is the Buddy Rich - like speed the music sometimes requires, on an instrument whose five notes sit several yards apart.
None of this is entirely surprising, though. Besides composing, Mr. Kraft was also one of the foremost timpanists in the world, and played with the LA Philharmonic.
The best performance I could find. Bravo!
This is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!! New favorite UA-cam video!!!
awesome. so awesome
So Godlike. This is my inspiration!
Bravo Bravo Bravo!!!
The second movement done did it for me
I: 1:00
II: 8:03
III: 15:04
Wow! Les Cool!
Yah Randy!
what are the heads made from? many many years ago i studied with William Kraft. his music is WAY beyond my skill level.
I didn't think it was possible to tune timpani to middle C.
like!! , if you love the timpani.
Wow
I don't know about you guys, but I really want to hear Bolcom's Commedia now.
Otherwise, great performance of the Kraft!
wow, without heads :P
Why the black gloves?
Cardio workout for the timpanist?