In my previous comment about the DSCH 7th and Bolero I was not implying
that DSCH was in any way trying to imitate Ravel. It is almost impossible
to avoid comparing the works owing to the long snare drum ostinati and
relentless repetitions of their themes with no development. If the
"German" theme in the DSCH 7th is supposed to be a joke it long overstays
its effectiveness--DSCH usually has a more effective sense of comedy than
that. I suspect that had this work been written by many other composers
(e.g., Vainberg) we would not hear it anywhere near as often as we do.
By the way, how do any percussion players on the list feel about these
snare-drum ostinati? Do you look forward to playing them?
Aaron J. Rabushka
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