Product Description

for SATB and percussion instruments (4 sand blocks (optional), 2 rainsticks, 2 claves, 1 shaker, and a low-pitched tomtom played with hard sticks) OR SATB and low-pitched tomtom played with hard sticks, and marimba.
This unusual and highly effective choral cantata in five sections uses poems which are a celebration of how the living spirit of the drum is brought alive. This is an exuberant and rhythmic work, and hugely exciting.
All percussion is played by members of the chorus. The unpitched percussion parts are printed in the vocal score.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5891085 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 40 pages

Review
The total duration of this work is approximately 12 minutes and I have no doubt that, for a choir capable of achieving the subtlety of expression, rhythmic vitality and dealing with the sometimes complex lines, this would provide a very worthwhile challenge. As the cover note says, it has the capacity to be 'exuberant, rhythmic and hugely exciting'. Music Teacher Nov 2000

About the Author

Bob Chilcott has a established an international reputation as one of Britain's most versatile and popular composers of choral music. He began his career as a chorister and choral scholar in the choir of King's College, Cambridge, under the leadership of Sir David Wilcocks and Philip Ledger. For twelve years, he was a member of the renowned vocal ensemble The King's Singers, for whom he wrote numerous a cappella and accompanied pieces and arrangements, many of which have been featured on the group's recordings for BMG and EMI Records. It was this experience that led him to full-time composition, fulfilling a desire to extend his commitment to young and to amateur choirs through his own brand of accessible music, which allows him to share his deep belief in the communicative and social aspects of music. Bob Chilcott currently conducts the chorus at the Royal College of Music in London and is in great demand as a guest conductor and leader of choral workshops worldwide.

Customer Reviews

The Making of the Drum- An Amazing Choral Work
This past week, I was lucky enough to be part of the Missouri All State Choir, which was directed by Mr. Bob Chilcott, and as one of our pieces we performed The Making of the Drum. Mr. Chilcott did such an amazing job directing the piece, after all, he did write it. If you're getting ready to perform this piece, though, I would advise that you make sure that the second movement and the fifth movement aren't too fast. The counts are 54 and 44, and when he conducted it, he stuck to it. When the piece is done correctly, it should take nearly 15 minutes, as it is 40 pages long. If you have a love for choral music and love tough, syncopated rhythms, you will LOVE this piece. Be warned, though, that there tend to be some gory lyrics! It talks about the killing and skinning of a goat, and the shaping of wood, etc. Its an amazing piece, and I reccommend it to any accomplished upper-level choir. And, make sure that you definately use all the percussion instruments reccomended! The rainsticks and tom-tom at the end at an amazing touch.