Return to “18th C. French Drumming”.
Historic French music is considerably interesting because several period sources describe or illustrate the manner in which their music functioned by a theme and variation.
The French style has developed numerous rudiments that are based on this principal and some 19th century resources still exist that demonstrate more complete and complex variations.
I’d like to show you how to incorporate these virtuosic elements into your French music by showing you how to:
Add period appropriate variations [hyperlink] using the French Sauté Rudiments or Inverted Flam Taps / Coup Anglais.
Design your own French drum salute by discussing how the Napoleonic drum salute “Le Rigodon D’Honneur” functions as a variation on the single drag reveille “La Diane”.
These virtuosic elements are an added flourish – unnecessary to portray a competent French drummer, but a true understanding of variation and embellishment brings you so much closer to the style and mentality of these historic musicians.
Try out some of these variations and, if you have any questions, contact me.