Toccata (1942) by Carlos Chavez (1899-1978)
written in 1942 inspired by Mexican folklore
Percussion I
- Indian Drum
- Glock
- Sm. Indian Drum
Percussion II
- Side Drum I
- Xylophone
- Indian Drum
- Tenor Drum
Percussion III
- Side Drum II
- Suspended Cymbal
Percussion IV
- Tenor Drum
- Chimes
- Claves
- One Maraca
- Suspended Cymbal
Features
- Piece utilizes various textures and dynamics
- Uses imitation
- Fast 16th note passages divided between players
- Specific about sticks for Indian Drums
- Asks to cover drum with suede at some points
- Specifies snares on and snares off
Structural Features
- Beginning- imitation using several rhythmic motives(no pitched perc.)
- 35- mostly melody and accompaniment
- 40- thematic statement by timp (F, B-flat, E), later by chimes/xylo
- 55- again motives by timp. and xylophone
- 61- timp same theme as at 40
- end- reduction of texture and reduced dynamics
A Few Details About Chavez
- trained primarily as a pianist
- Mexican Revolution, in 1921, influenced Chavez to use elements from Aztec music and instrumentation
- helped establish 1st permanent symphony orchestra in Mexico