The first musical instrument in human history was probably a member of the percussion family. This group includes any device that makes a sound when it is hit, shaken or scraped—drums, bells, chimes, cymbals, wood blocks, congas, pianos, xylophones, washboards, whips, pistols, typewriters—to just name a few. Percussion is often the heartbeat of musical ensembles -- setting the pace and keeping the tune in time. Drums, the most ubiquitous, have many uses including communicating over long distances, motivating troops, inspiring emotion, and providing color, texture and rhythm in music.
The Crusaders brought kettledrums to Europe from the Middle East in the 12th or 13th century. Kettledrums, also known as timpani, are now a staple in classical orchestras and many types of music ensembles. Jean-Baptiste Lully, a French composer who lived in the 17th century, wrote the first known score for timpani in 1675. During the 19th century, percussion instruments became an important part of the orchestra, as can be heard in the works of Beethoven, Brahms, Tschaikovsky and Wagner. Hector Berlioz, a French composer who was born in 1803, further enlarged and diversified the percussion section. He created a percussion orchestra within the orchestra and one of his works uses crash and ride cymbals, large bass drums, tenor drums, kettledrums and church bells.
By the end of the 20th century, the percussion section had evolved into a major part of the orchestra, both in size and role. Knowledge of non-European music, greater interest in rhythm and increasing awareness of environmental noise had fostered an appreciation for a seemingly infinite variety of percussion instruments.
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Percussion Duo will perform at the Wauwatosa Civic Center on Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 1:30 – 2:15 pm. Music, sound effects and the story of Where the Wild Things Are will introduce children to the expressive capabilities of percussion instruments. This program is best for students in kindergarten through 8th grades, but everyone is welcome. Please register at the Children’s Reference Desk or call: 414-471-8486.
