David Herbert, timpanist, in the world premiere recording of William Kraft's" Concerto No. 2: The Grand Encounter for Timpani and Orchestra".

Laurel Records is proud to announce the release of the world premiere recording of William Kraft's "Concerto No 2: The Grand Encounter for Timpani and Orchestra". This virtuosic work, commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony and Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas for timpanist David Herbert and scored for a 15-timpani array, breaks new ground in the melodic and harmonic aspects of the timpani. A 9 piccolo timpani array was constructed especially for this work, extending the range to a high A (440). The Concerto is performed by David Herbert with Symphony Silicon Valley and Paul Polivnick conducting. Mr. Herbert personally oversaw the construction of the piccolo timpani, which were manufactured by American Drum Manufacturing Company (with the help of Marshall Light). The disc also features "Octopus, an Etude for 15 Timpani" written by Mr. Kraft for David Herbert in preparation for the Second Concerto and the re-release of Kraft's "Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra No. 1" with Thomas Akins and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, also conducted by Maestro Polivnick. These recordings represent a landmark in both the timpani and American classical music repertoire.
Available from Laurel Records: www.laurelrecords.com ($15.99) or Amazon.com ($16.95) 

Contact:
John Gilbert
Laurel Records
1018 Euclid Avenue Berkeley, CA 94708 sales@laurelrecords.com 510-525-3323 

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