Shostakovich's 15th Symphony: Mastering the Multi-Percussion "Clock" with Kyle Acuncius
- Nathan Coles
- Oct 3
- 5 min read
In the world of orchestral percussion, sometimes the most challenging and rewarding moments come from making multiple instruments speak as one. Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of multi-percussion setups in Shostakovich's 15th Symphony, guided by the insights of a seasoned professional.
Table of Contents
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Meet Your Instructor
We're incredibly fortunate to learn from Black Swamp Educator, Kyle Acuncius, a percussionist with a rich and diverse twenty-year international career. Kyle currently holds the prestigious position of Principal Timpanist with the Sun Symphony Orchestra in Hanoi, Vietnam. Before this, he shaped the next generation of percussionists as Artist and Director of Percussion Studies at Mahidol University and served as Principal Timpanist of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. His impressive orchestral resume also includes principal positions with the Terre Haute Symphony and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
The Heart of the Matter: Shostakovich's "Clock"
Shostakovich's 15th Symphony, his final symphonic work, is a masterpiece brimming with unique textures and poignant musical ideas. One of its most captivating and challenging elements for percussionists is the recurring "ticking clock" motive. This intricate soundscape, introduced at the end of the scherzo movement and revisited in the finale, is a playful yet deeply significant feature.
Originally, these parts—snare drum, a single castanet, and woodblock—were conceived for separate players. However, common performance practice often sees a single percussionist tackling all three simultaneously. This creates a unique multi-percussion setup challenge, demanding not just technical prowess but also profound musical understanding to convey the clock's incessant, intricate motor. The goal isn't just to play the notes, but to embody the relentless, almost obsessive, nature of the ticking.
Follow along with the score. 👇
Strategic Setup: Building Your Multi-Percussion Pod
To effectively perform the "clock" parts in Shostakovich's 15th Symphony as a single player, a thoughtful and ergonomic multi-percussion setup is paramount. Here's how to approach it:
Central Instrument: Your snare drum will likely be the core of this setup. Position it comfortably in front of you, allowing for full stick control and a consistent sound.
Woodblock Placement: The woodblock needs to be easily accessible, ideally positioned close to the snare drum. Some players might mount it on a separate stand immediately to the side. Consider its height relative to your natural playing position.
Castanet Integration: The single castanet is often the trickiest element. Many percussionists will use a machine castanet mounted on a stand, placed within easy reach. The key is to minimize extraneous movement and allow for a seamless transition between instruments.
Ergonomics is Key: Experiment with different heights and distances. Your setup should feel natural and allow for fluid motion between the snare, woodblock, and castanet without tension or awkward reaching. Remember, you're creating a single "pod" of instruments that must function as one.
Gear Tour: Kyle Acuncius' Essential Setup
Kyle Acuncius' choice of equipment is a testament to quality and reliability, essential for demanding orchestral repertoire like Shostakovich's 15th Symphony.
Black Swamp Percussion Medallion Brass SoundArt Snare Drum: Kyle relies on Black Swamp Percussion snare drums for their exceptional craftsmanship, wide dynamic range, and articulate response. For this piece, a drum with a crisp, clear snare sound is paramount to create the "motor" of the clock. The 5" x 14" Medallion Brass SoundArt snare drum is an excellent choice for this work.
Black Swamp Percussion Maple Woodblock: Black Swamp woodblocks are renowned for their projection and distinct tonal qualities. Kyle is using the "large" Maple Woodblock (MWB1) chosen to provide a clear, focused "tick" that cuts through the orchestral texture without being harsh. Kyle is taking advantage of the universal woodblock holes located at the bottom of the instrument. The Black Swamp Woodblock Mount (MWBM) is also an option for mounting the instrument. Here's a quick tutorial on how to install the mounting system.
Black Swamp Percussion Grenadillop Pro Concert Castanets: Black Swamp Castanets are chosen for their consistency and ease of playability, allowing for quick, articulate clicks. The castanets can mount on the Professional Mounting Frame to ensure stability and allow for precise rhythmic control, which is vital when playing it simultaneously with other instruments. Kyle is using the Pearl Castanet Holder.
The deliberate selection of these instruments isn't just about brand loyalty; it's about choosing tools that facilitate the precise articulation, dynamic control, and overall sound quality required to bring Shostakovich's intricate musical ideas to life, particularly within a challenging multi-percussion setup.
Beyond the Notes: Making Thoughtful Musical Decisions
While the technical demands of a multi-percussion setup are significant, the true artistry lies in your musical decisions. For Shostakovich's "clock," simply playing the rhythms isn't enough; you need to convey its character.
Consider these aspects:
Musical Element | Technical Approach | Musical Intention |
Tempo & Steadiness | Precise metronomic accuracy; internal pulse. | Unwavering, relentless ticking; the passage of time. |
Dynamics | Consistent individual instrument dynamics, balanced. | A unified, subtly dynamic "machine"; a sense of impending inevitability. |
Articulation | Dry, clear strokes on all instruments. | Sharp, distinct "clicks" and "tocks"; mechanical precision without harshness. |
Balance | Each instrument heard clearly but not overpowering. | A single, composite sound; the snare "motor" as the foundation, woodblock and castanet as the distinct "ticks." |
Phrasing | Understanding how the "ticking" fits into the larger musical line. | Is it ominous, playful, or simply omnipresent? |
Your role as the percussionist is to give life to this musical clock. Your choices in articulation, dynamic balance, and rhythmic precision will define its character within the symphony.
Student Action Plan
Ready to tackle your own multi-percussion setup challenge? Here’s a practical plan:
Listen Actively: Immerse yourself in recordings of Shostakovich's 15th Symphony. Pay close attention to how different percussionists interpret the "clock" motive.
Analyze the Score: Study the percussion parts meticulously. Identify the rhythmic interplays and dynamic markings for each instrument.
Experiment with Setup: Gather your snare drum, woodblock, and castanet. Spend time arranging them. Don't be afraid to try multiple configurations until you find one that feels comfortable and allows for efficient movement.
Practice Slowly: Begin by practicing each instrument individually, ensuring clarity and consistency. Then, slowly combine them, focusing on the seamless transitions. Use a metronome!
Record Yourself: Self-critique is crucial. Record your practice sessions and listen back. Are all instruments clear? Is the tempo steady? Are you conveying the musical character?
Seek Feedback: Play for your instructor or a peer. Fresh ears can offer invaluable insights into your balance and musicality.
Your Musical Journey Continues
Mastering a multi-percussion setup in a piece like Shostakovich's 15th Symphony is a significant achievement. It pushes you beyond individual technique, demanding a holistic understanding of how instruments combine to create a singular musical voice. Kyle Acuncius's insights remind us that true mastery comes from thoughtful decisions, meticulous preparation, and a deep connection to the composer's intent. Keep practicing, keep listening, and keep exploring the endless possibilities of percussion!
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