For the Prerecord: Effectiveness of Percussion Solos with Prerecorded Accompaniment

Abstract

Solos best provide the classical, modern percussionist the opportunity to develop technique and musicality. For the aspiring soloist, these are essential for their success. For the aspiring ensemble percussionist, the ability to listen and blend with a surrounding body of sound is just as, if not more important. Though these abilities can be mastered through chamber works or accompanied solos, such avenues may not always be available. Solos with prerecorded audio, or solos "with tape," provide an effective solution to such a problem, as they not only test the soloist's technical ability and sense of musicality, but also their ability to listen and blend, all within a medium that does not require any form of surrounding ensemble outside of the audio. The benefits of this type of solo will be explored by analyzing passages, performance practices, and setups of Casey Cangelosi's "Voodoo, Who Do? You Do," and Chad Floyd's "Triptych Boom."