Abel – 20th Century Orchestra Studies for Percussion

by | Jan 7, 2016 | Percussion Database, Repertoire Lists, Snare Drum Method Books

Compiled by former Philadelphia Orchestra Percussionst Alan Abel, the 20th Century Orchestra Studies contain many of the more recently composed orchestral parts for percussion. The book covers a wide variety of composers and pieces as well as containing  orchestral excerpts for many different percussion instruments. This collection is quite valuable as a study tool, especially considering that many of these pieces are hard to find elsewhere. Unlike the Carroll or Goldenberg books, the parts in Abel’s book are not always complete and, in most cases, could not be used for performance. Like the Goldenberg timpani compilations Abel does not given any kind of personal commentary. However, Abel includes certain instrumental or rhythmic cues which are very helpful when listening or practicing.

Included in this edition:

  • Albeniz – Triana from Iberia Suite
  • Barber – Medea’s Meditation and Dance of Vengeance
  • Bernstein – Overture to Candide
  • Bernstein – Chichester Psalms
  • Bernstein – The Age of Anxiety (Symphony No. 2)
  • Chavez – Sinfonia India
  • Cowell – Fourth Symphony
  • Cowell – Eleventh Symphony
  • Creston – Invocation and Dance
  • Dukas – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
  • Hartmann – Sixth Symphony
  • Hindemith – Mathis der Maler
  • Hindemith – Symphonic Metamorphosis
  • Hindemith – Sinfonia Seria
  • Holst – The Planets
  • Khachaturian – Gayne Ballet Suite #1A
  • Kodaly – Hary Janos Suite
  • Nielsen – Fifth Symphony
  • Nielsen – Sixth Symphony
  • Orff – Carmina Burana
  • Piston – Fourth Symphony
  • Prokofiev – The Love of the Three Oranges ‘March and Scherzo’
  • Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 1
  • Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 2
  • Prokofiev – Fifth Symphony
  • Prokofiev – Seventh Symphony
  • Revueltas – Sensemaya
  • Riegger – Dance Rhythms
  • Schuman – Circus Overture
  • Schuman – Judith
  • Schuman – Third Symphony
  • Scriabin – The Poem of Ecstasy
  • Shostakovich – Seventh Symphony
  • Strauss – Don Juan
  • Strauss – Salome’s Dance
  • Surinach – Feria Magica
  • Surinach – Ritmo Jondo
  • Thomson – Lousiana Story
  • Toch – Peter Pan

Annotated by: Greg Simonds