Giuseppe Verdi : La Forza del Destino

This percussion ensemble arrangement of Verdi's famed overture to "La Forza del Destino" ("The Force of Destiny") makes for a very exciting piece that explores the classical music possibilities of the modern percussion ensemble. It can be performed with 13 or 14 players and would work equally well in a concert performance, or in an indoor "arena style" performance. "La Forza" provides a wonderful opportunity to perform and discuss the format and form of an opera overture. The piece incorporates several musical styles that range from fast and technically demanding passages to lyrical, sustained melodies.