Ionisation (Score Only) by Edgard Varese

Ionisation by Edgard Varese is considered one of the most historically important pieces ever written for percussion ensemble, and is most notable for being the first piece written for the genre. It has inspired generations of musicians, including eclectic art rock superstar Frank Zappa.

Written for mostly non-pitched instruments, this piece sounded like nothing else before it. Rhythmic cells create moments of groove that constantly shift as new sounds enter and old sounds fade away. Certain moments even sound frightening.

This edition includes Morris Goldenberg's original setup chart and diagrams as well as Nicolas Slonimsky's analysis of the piece.

Difficulty: Medium +

Duration: 6:30

Instrumentation:

• Player 1:
  • Crash Cymbal, Deep Bass Drum
  • Small Tam-Tam, Muffled Cowbell
• Player 2:
  • Gong, Small Tam-Tam
  • Large Tam-Tam, Muffled Cowbell
• Player 3:
  • Bongos, Side Drum
  • Medium Bass Drum, Large Bass Drum (Both Horizontal)
• Player 4:
  • Field Drum, Side Drum
• Player 5:
  • Small Siren (or Theremin), Lion's Roar
• Player 6:
  • Large Siren (or Theremin), Slapstick, Guiro
• Player 7:
  • Wood Blocks (3), Claves, Triangle
• Player 8:
  • Snare Drum, Maracas
• Player 9:
  • Piccolo Snare Drum, Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
• Player 10:
  • Cymbals, Sleigh Bells, Chimes
• Player 11:
  • Guiro, Castanets
  • Pedal Glockenspiel (or Celeste)
• Player 12:
  • Tambourine, Anvils (2)
  • Large Tam-Tam
• Player 13:
  • Slapstick, Triangle
  • Sleigh Bells, Piano

This book includes the score only, and does not include individual parts.