Classical Music/snare drums

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Expert: - 1/5/2012


Question
Are there any pieces by Beethoven that use snare drums?

Answer
Brynhilde,

Thanks for the question.  Sorry it took me a few days to get back to you, since this involved some research.  

In Beethoven's day, the only use of the snare drum was to conjure images of war.  It was seen as and used as a military instrument.  

In Beethoven's music, there is only one major instance of this -- Wellington's Victory, Op. 91.  As seen in the score (http://216.129.110.22/files/imglnks/usimg/5/50/IMSLP51272-PMLP03074-Op.91.pdf), there are pages of text that describe the drum cadences of the English, French, and Prussian armies.  These are played before corresponding sections in the music.

It was another fifty years or so before the snare drum really started to be found in orchestras, and another fifty years before its use became more widespread.  

Thanks again,
Craig

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Craig Doolin

Expertise

I can answer any questions about classical music, including opera, early music, instruments, and music theory. I have a special interest in experimental or modern music.

Experience

I have a masters in musicology and have completed all but my dissertation in Ph.D. studies at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.

Publications
I have written program notes for orchestras and opera companies throughout the US.

Education/Credentials
I have a BME in music education from Morehead State University in KY, a MA in music history from Marshall University in WV, and am working on a Ph.D. at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music.

Past/Present Clients
San Antonio Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, University of Southern California, University of South Carolina, Columbus (GA) Symphony Orchestra, Lucca Opera Festival (Italy), Bay Atlantic Symphony (NJ), Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic, Cascade Symphony, Lincoln (NE) Symphony, Boise Philharmonic, Augusta (GA) Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Pine Bluff (AR) Symphony

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