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Percussion Question

Posted by Swamplander on 12/15/2020, 1:35 pm

I'm cleaning up my solo and ensemble library, and in a couple of the older percussion ensembles (particularly Toccata by Chavez) it calls for an Indian Drum. What, pray tell, is an Indian Drum? I'm only a trumpet player, but a quick Google search doesn't turn up much. Is it a tambora for Dominican music?

Re: Percussion Question

Posted by Swamplander on 12/16/2020, 1:24 pm, in reply to "Percussion Question"

Thanks! I learned something today, lol.

Re: Percussion Question

Posted by PGC on 12/16/2020, 10:17 am, in reply to "Percussion Question"

The drums in this video are what you are looking for. Appropriate substitutes might include bongos, congas, or any rope-tuned, low resonance drum. "India" in this case refers to the indigenous drums of Mexico, not the Eastern traditional drums of India like tabla.

Re: Percussion Question

Posted by Me on 12/16/2020, 8:26 am, in reply to "Percussion Question"

In older music, Indian doesn't refer to India, but to Native American. An Indian drum would likely be a frame drum like this:

https://tocapercussion.com/products/world-percussion/freestyle-frame-drum-14/

Re: Percussion Question

Posted by Chavez on 12/15/2020, 10:31 pm, in reply to "Percussion Question"

Link: Sinfonia India

Re: Percussion Question

Posted by Composer intent? on 12/15/2020, 7:10 pm, in reply to "Percussion Question"

I would venture to guess it is meant to be an “ethnic” drum that has a contrasting timbre. Perhaps use a concert tom with a coated head and dampening, or a conga?

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