Richard; ausatmen...(Richard; breathe out) [CF:ZM31830]

A strange title for a strange piece: "Richard" refers to Richard Wagner, and the composer Hauke's ambiguous attitude towards the life and work of the music dramatist is the subject of this piece. "breathing out" occurs in two varieties - it is either an admiring "fuuuuuh" or a contemptuous "pffff" both of which are then rhythmically transformed. The characteristic features of the process of breathing out are a comparatively loud beginning, followed by gradual thinning out and finally decay, and these are recurring themes within the piece. The composition is based on two quotes from the "Ring" both of which are important passages for the timpani. These passages, however, are placed in a different context. At the same time, the accompanying instruments add an aspect of expansion to the composition. The technical set-up is illustrated in great detail. This interesting and demanding piece extends the timpani repertoire.