Duplex - Book Review

Duplex, for 4 melodic timpani, multiple percussion and piano (3 players), by Jean Batigne. Gerard Billaudot/Theodore Presser (588 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406), 2000. Parts and score, $23.95. Difficult.

The degree of difficulty indicated on the title page of Jean Batigne's trio Duplex is accurate: difficult (9). Whereas the piano part is idiomatic and straightforward, percussionists are challenged on several levels: reading the parts, interpreting the music and executing some extraordinarily nonidiomatic writing.

One percussionist plays on four timpani and ratchet. The other plays a multiple percussion setup consisting of a seven-piece drumset supplemented by a woodblock, pedal-operated tambourine, triangle and slapstick.

The timpanist is the featured member of the trio, carrying the majority of melodic weight. The footwork required to execute the pitch changes surpasses that required to perform the Bartok Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion and any of the Delecluse timpani etudes. The notation clearly indicates which drums are to be used for each pitch; however, at the tempi indicated, there is little opportunity for the feet to maneuver between the drums to facilitate the changes. An example can be seen thirteen measures into letter C. Chromatic quarter notes change on three drums in a single measure. In other passages one drum is required to make leaps of thirds during successive sixteenth notes. In brief, the intonation skills required to perform this piece are beyond most timpanists' abilities. Pitch to drum indications are given throughout, but no preparatory changes are given--the player will have to thoughtfully and thoroughly consider what pitch is required next before moving his or her feet. I look forward to the day when timpanists will be able to perform parts such as this accurately and musically, but I am unaware of such a person alive today. A viable, though extraordinary, alternative would be to add four to five additional timpani to the setup to more accurately render the pitches.

The multiple percussionist also is challenged. The part requires the player to develop some unusual techniques. One passage suggests the right hand is playing open and closed high hat notes while simultaneously playing four-stroke ruffs with the left hand. One might consider playing the high hat part with the foot only, but the clarity between open and closed notes would likely be lost. In other passages the high hat part can be performed easily with the foot alone, but the notation does not specify what was intended. The tambourine is to be played with the left foot, presumably, but sixteenth notes need to be achieved at quarter note=132. A second instrument on a stand played with fingers or sticks would eliminate the problem. With some study, the notation can be deciphered. (The key can be found in the pianist's part.) Several instruments share the same staff location (high hat, snare, tambourine and the third tome, for example), but instrument abbreviations are used throughout.

The notes and instructions are written in French, so non-French-speaking percussionists will need some help understanding the notation and special instructions.

Only serious timpanists with outstanding intonation skills should attempt Batigne's Duplex. Reviewed by J. B. Smith, Tempe, Arizona.

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