From the timpanist’s first triplet to the last sforzando G-sharp, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is a percussionist’s dream. Dueling timpani parts, scraped tam-tam, antique cymbals, and unique bass drum rhythms distinguish the score that changed classical music and percussion writing forever. 

In this definitive guide, percussionist/timpanist Christopher J. DeChiara—who has performed the piece numerous times under renowned conductors such as James Conlon and Christoph Eschenbach—explores the history, nuances, and discrepancies in scores and parts of the composition to enrich the perspective of percussionists navigating their own audition or performance.

With a guide to instruments, detailed interpretations of each passage, and visual examples, The Rite of Spring, A Percussionist’s Guide, will educate and inspire percussionists and conductors tackling this thrilling piece.