Percussion

Definition

Percussion refers to a family of musical instruments that produce sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped. This category includes a wide variety of instruments, from drums and cymbals to tambourines and marimbas. In Romantic orchestral music, percussion plays a critical role in adding rhythm, color, and texture, enhancing the emotional depth and intensity of orchestral compositions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Romantic orchestral music, percussion instruments are often used to create dramatic contrasts and emphasize climactic moments within a composition.
2. The use of unconventional percussion instruments became more prominent during the Romantic period, allowing composers to explore new textures and timbres.
3. Percussion can be divided into two categories: pitched (like timpani) and unpitched (like snare drums), each serving different roles within orchestral music.
4. Famous Romantic composers such as Berlioz and Mahler expanded the percussion section of the orchestra, incorporating a wider array of instruments than their predecessors.
5. The emotional impact of a piece can be significantly enhanced through the strategic use of percussion, particularly in creating tension or excitement in orchestral performances.

Review Questions

• How did the role of percussion instruments evolve during the Romantic period in orchestral music?
  • During the Romantic period, the role of percussion instruments evolved significantly as composers began to recognize their potential for adding drama and depth to orchestral works. Unlike earlier periods where percussion was often limited to basic rhythmic support, Romantic composers like Berlioz and Mahler expanded the percussion section to include a wider variety of instruments. This allowed for greater expression and emotional impact in their compositions, making percussion an essential element in enhancing the overall sound and character of the orchestra.
• Discuss the impact of specific percussion instruments on the emotional quality of Romantic orchestral music.
  • Specific percussion instruments have a profound impact on the emotional quality of Romantic orchestral music. For instance, timpani can create a sense of urgency or tension when played with forceful strikes, while softer instruments like cymbals can evoke feelings of serenity or suspense. The strategic use of these instruments allows composers to heighten climactic moments or underline dramatic shifts in mood throughout their compositions. This careful orchestration showcases how essential percussion is in shaping the overall narrative and emotional landscape of a piece.
• Evaluate how the innovative use of percussion contributed to the overall development of orchestration during the Romantic era.
  • The innovative use of percussion during the Romantic era played a key role in the development of orchestration as composers sought new ways to enhance musical storytelling. By incorporating a diverse range of percussion instruments into their works, they expanded the palette available for creating dynamic contrasts and rich textures. This experimentation not only set the stage for future developments in orchestration but also allowed for unique sonic experiences that engaged audiences on deeper emotional levels. The expansion and sophistication of percussion highlighted the evolving artistic goals of composers during this transformative period in music history.

Related terms

Timpani: A type of drum that is tuned to specific pitches and is often used in orchestras to provide harmonic support and dramatic emphasis.

Crescendo: A gradual increase in loudness or intensity in music, which can be effectively emphasized by the use of percussion instruments.

Rhythm Section: A group of instruments that provides the harmonic foundation and pulse in a musical ensemble, which often includes various percussion instruments.