''Bonham'' is a

percussion ensemble A percussion ensemble is a musical ensemble consisting of only percussion instruments. Although the term can be used to describe any such group, it commonly refers to groups of classically trained percussionists performing primarily classical m ...

piece for eight musicians by the American composer Christopher Rouse. It was composed in 1988 and first performed in Boston, Massachusetts, the following year by the

New England Conservatory of Music The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) is a Private college, private music school in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest independent music Music school, conservatory in the United States and among the most prestigious in the world. The ...

Percussion Ensemble conducted by Frank Epstein, to whom the work is dedicated." The work, an "ode to rock drumming and drummers", is a tribute to

John Bonham John Henry Bonham (31 May 1948 – 25 September 1980) was an English musician, best known as the drummer for the rock band Led Zeppelin. Esteemed for his speed, power, fast single-footed kick drumming, distinctive sound, and feel for groove,J ...

, the drummer from

Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968. The group comprised vocalist Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham. With a heavy, guitar-driven sound, they are ci ...

, whom Rouse admired for his almost "orchestral approach" to the drums and his ability to produce a powerful "sonic onslaught". Rouse also perceived precision and subtlety in Bonham's performances." ''Bonham'' opens with the drum

ostinato In music, an ostinato (; derived from Italian word for ''stubborn'', compare English ''obstinate'') is a motif or phrase that persistently repeats in the same musical voice, frequently in the same pitch. Well-known ostinato-based pieces include ...

from "

When the Levee Breaks "When the Levee Breaks" is a country blues song written and first recorded by Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy in 1929. The lyrics reflect experiences during the upheaval caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. "When the Levee Breaks ...

". This is one of a number of references to Led Zeppelin songs in the work: "

Custard Pie A custard pie is any type of uncooked custard mixture added to an uncooked or partially cooked crust and baked together. In North America, custard pie commonly refers to a plain mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla extract and sometimes ...

" is also quoted and the piece ends with a reference to "

Royal Orleans ''Presence'' is the seventh studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin, released by Swan Song Records on 31 March 1976. While the record was a commercial success, reaching the top of both the British and American album charts, and achievi ...

". The percussionist on the drum set is instructed to use "the fattest possible sticks" to reproduce Bonham's distinctive sound throughout the entire work. In addition to Led Zeppelin songs, "Get Yourself Together" by

The Butterfield Blues Band Paul Vaughn Butterfield (December 17, 1942May 4, 1987) was an American blues harmonica player, singer and band leader. After early training as a classical flautist, he developed an interest in blues harmonica. He explored the blues scene in his ...

and the traditional "hambone" rhythm of

Bo Diddley Ellas McDaniel (born Ellas Otha Bates; December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known professionally as Bo Diddley, was an American guitarist who played a key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many artists, incl ...

are cited.

References

External links

Christopher Rouse chamber and ensemble works
{{Authority control Compositions by Christopher Rouse 1988 compositions Percussion music

See also

References

External links