From the timpanist's first triplet to the last sforzando G-sharp, Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring is a percussionist's dream. Dueling timpani parts, scraped tam-tam, antique cymbals, and unique bass drum rhythms distinguish the score that changed classical music and percussion writing forever.


In this definitive guide, percussionist/timpanist Chris DeChiara-who has performed the piece numerous times under renowned conductors such as James Conlon and Christoph Eschenbach-explores the history, nuances, and discrepancies in scores and parts of the composition to enrich the perspective of percussionists navigating their own audition or performance.


With a guide to instruments, detailed interpretations of each passage, and visual examples, The Rite of Spring, A Percussionist's Guide, will educate and inspire percussionists and conductors tackling this thrilling piece.