The Logic of it All: Professional Secrets Applying Imagination to Percussion Techniques

The Logic of it All By Anthony Cirone and Joe Sinai

Cirone, Anthony J., and Joe Sinai. The Logic of It All: Professional Secrets Applying Imagination to Percussion Techniques. Menlo Park, Cal.: Cirone Publications, 1977.

Table of Contents: Introduction, Snare Drum, Cymbals, Triangle, Tambourine, Bass Drum, Castanets, Tam Tam, Bells, Xylophone, Chimes, Observations and Interpretations on excerpts

This book discusses, in depth, the sounds and playing techniques of these instruments. For example, in the snare drum section it discusses the difference between calf heads, plastic heads, wire snares, gut snares, wood shells, and metal shells. It goes into what sounds each would produce and why one would want that sound. Also, there are many pictures to indicate playing spots and how to hold the instruments. It even has a step by step example of how to crash the cymbals. The end of the book discusses pieces such as: Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakow, Concerto for Orchestra by Bela Bartok, and Symphonie No. 4 by Tschaikowsky. First, it lists observations of the piece which could include how the instrument should be set up or how the dynamic is marked forte, but often is played softer. Then it lists interpretations, or playing techniques, as in where to play on the instrument and how the ties of drum rolls should be played.

Review by Ashley Feist:

I think this book is helpful because it discusses different playing techniques and what sound you are trying to get out of the instrument. I also like the excerpts at the end because it is very helpful advice for auditions. The weakness about this book is that it is fairly old, it doesn’t discuss all of the percussion instruments, and it doesn’t go into as much detail as other books. Also, there were techniques in there that I didn’t agree with. I think this book would be helpful, but I also think there are better method books out there. Rating- II