Three Movements for Timpani - 12 Min., 5 Pauken, schwer

Three Movements for Five Timpani by John Beck is a popular audition piece and is often played on recitals and juries throughout the nation. Each movement is distinct from one another, each with its own musical and technical challenges.

The first movement, Free, is based on a 5-note motif and is completely devoid of time signature. It's supposed to sound improvisatory which will be a completely foreign concept to many students.

The second movement, Rhythmic, actually requires the player to turn on a metronome and play exactly in the pocket - no faking it!

The last movement, Combinations, makes the timpanist dig into their toolbox with metric modulations, key changes, limb independence, and a handful of other more advanced techniques.

Difficulty: Medium + to Advanced

Duration: 10:00

This solo is a grade 1 piece on the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List, and performers must play any two of the three movements.