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Bass drum tempo
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 12:22 pm
by Donn
From
John Philip Sousa: American Phenomenon (Revised Edition)
Paul E. Bierley wrote:
It was of the utmost importance to Sousa not to have a dominating bass drum. He insisted that the bass drum must be felt rather than heard. On this subject he repeatedly declared that the layman had no idea whatever of the importance of the bass drum in a band but that no band could possibly be greater than its bass drummer.
Re: Bass drum tempo
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 3:27 pm
by Lars Trawen
Hi all,
I've heard that Sousa's bass drummer was payed best of all his musicians.
Sousa mostly didn't write all details in the bass part because he didn't need it.
The drummer had a special feeling how Sousa wanted it.
All the best,
Lars
Re: Bass drum tempo
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 4:44 pm
by iiipopes
When I can no longer carry a brass instrument, I plan on playing bass drum. Yes, it's been awhile - the last time I played bass drum was in marching band one summer in junior high school because I got my height early and was one of the few with the stature necessary to carry it. Boy, did I have bloody knuckles!
All aspiring bass drummers, indeed all persons whose job it is to provide steady accompaniment, including tuba players, should study Vierordt's Law, which is the concept that explains why slow tempos tend to rush and fast tempos tend to drag.
Here is an audio blog that explains the concept in the context of Beethoven tempi. The actual discussion of Vierordt's Law starts about the 8:40 mark.
http://www.radiolab.org/story/269783-speedy-beet/" target="_blank
Re: Bass drum tempo
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2016 3:16 pm
by peter birch
iiipopes wrote:When I can no longer carry a brass instrument, I plan on playing bass drum. Yes, it's been awhile - the last time I played bass drum was in marching band one summer in junior high school because I got my height early and was one of the few with the stature necessary to carry it. Boy, did I have bloody knuckles!
All aspiring bass drummers, indeed all persons whose job it is to provide steady accompaniment, including tuba players, should study Vierordt's Law, which is the concept that explains why slow tempos tend to rush and fast tempos tend to drag.
Here is an audio blog that explains the concept in the context of Beethoven tempi. The actual discussion of Vierordt's Law starts about the 8:40 mark.
http://www.radiolab.org/story/269783-speedy-beet/" target="_blank" target="_blank
I can't wait to discuss Vierordts Law at my next band rehearsal
Re: Bass drum tempo
Posted: Thu Mar 10, 2016 4:58 pm
by windshieldbug
I did not pick one because the answer is:
3. Both, apparently according to sunspot activity.
Re: Bass drum tempo
Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2016 12:20 am
by doublebuzzing
How about a third option: My bass drum player plays in time.
Nuts, on second thought, that never happens!