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The Episodes for snare drum and pedal bass drum are written for
a single performer.
The matter for the musical expression is provided by contrasting
rhythms of the
two instruments. The bass drum is not used to accompany; it
counterpoints the
snare drum, creating with it continually renewed patterns.
The Specific material for the Episodes consists of rhythmic
combinations, different
timbres obtained from both instruments, dynamic variations and
changes of
tempo.
These pieces are intended for percussionists who have
achieved perfect mastery of the
bass drum pedal technique. Those who have not reached this level
will find
thirty-one exercises at the beginning of the book designed wither
to
familiarize them with this playing technique or to perfect it. The
aim of the
exercises is to teach the player to master the bass drum pedal
technique with
regard to precision as well as shading, in order to obtain perfect
harmony with
the sound of the snare drum.
The preparatory exercises are mainly detailed examples of
passages to be found
later in the Episodes. Each exercise is to be studied at different
tempos and
dynamic levels until perfect striking precision is reached. The
fingerings are
merely the author's suggestions and in no way compulsory.
Careful attention must be paid to the sound of the bass drum, in
order to create
interesting contrasts with the snare drum. This sound must not be
too deep; the
20"-22" bass drum will have to be slightly muffled.
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