Leipzig Fest.: c.o. the Maerkel M10 to see what he does with the solo bass drum

[barry guerrero]

For anyone interested in such things, go to the Arte Web Live site and check out how Maerkel handles the solo drum shots at the start of the finale. They drape a cloth over a bass drum, and it sounds pretty darn good to me. I know absolutely nothing about Maerkel but he does a really fine job on the 10th (Cooke 3). He looks appropriately weird and miserable,which I suppose helps with Mahler 10. HUGE tam-tam smash before the reprise of the first movement's harrowing, expressionistic climax.

Check it out. So far, this whole Leipzig Festival is surpassing even my highest expectations.