Gershwin’s Horns

June 2nd, 2008 by Russell Davies

I’ve always been a fan of unusual percussion. I once got to play an anvil soundalike in the Derby Playhouse. And played canons (via reel to reel) for 1812. I’ve never gotten to play the taxi horns for An American In Paris though. Rainer Hersch has made this excellent programme about unusual instruments, making me all nostalgic for my metal-bashing days. Good to hear the intra-percussionist rivalry too. How we hated those bloody timpanists. MP3 here.

2 Responses to “Gershwin’s Horns”

  1. Steve Bowbrick Says:

    Lovely. What’s the difference between timpani and percussion, then?

  2. Jo Says:

    Wonderful. I have listened to this obsessively several times today, told my friends, told my parents etc. etc. And I’ve finally found out what makes that unearthly sound in movies - the bowing of tam-tam gongs. A quick google around YouTube and I’m up to speed with the ‘waterphone’ as well. Cheers :)

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