Fantasia and Rondo for Timpani

Fantasia and Rondo for Timpani is exactly what the name implies! This piece combines two renaissance and baroque composition techniques into one solo while being composed with a modern language, and of course, modern timpani writing. The beginning of the work aims to emulate the historical piano fantasies, and their improvatory nature, mostly free of meter or key restrictions. Then, the work finds it's groove with the introduction of the A theme of the rondo. This theme is returned to throughout the piece, flowing just like a traditional rondo would. These forms were chosen for the piece because of my connection to them. I found fantasias so interesting while learning about them in my undergraduate studies and simply loved the idea of an improvised introduction that sets the tone of the preceding music. Concerning the later; the rondo is a form I can relate to hip-hop and rap music, genres I grew up listening to that have heavily influenced my musical taste and style. Most hip-hop or rap songs flow very similarly to a rondo. The hook of the song would be the A theme, while each verse could be a B, C and D theme. While many rondos have codas, many rap and hip-hop songs have clear outros, or instrumental outros where the vocals are taken out and the beat shines. Fantasia and Rondo for Timpani is a great piece for collegiate percussion students who are experienced with solo timpani, intricate and fast pedaling, as well as historical musical forms.