Four Solos for Frame Drums
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Collection of rhythmically challenging solos for bendir, tar, or bodhran and one for kanjira. The only collection of its type available - applicable for pedagogical purposes as well as performance! Titles: Quatrinity, Cyclic Invention On 8/9/92, Variations On A South Indian Theme, & Etude In Arabic Rhythms. 
Percussive Notes Review:
Four Solos for Frame Drums
Intermediate-Advanced
B. Michael Williams
HoneyRock

B. Michael Williams' collection of four solos for frame drums provide the performer with well-written, musical compositions. In his preface, Williams states: "The solos in this collection--Cyclic Invention on 8/9/92, Quatrinity, Variations on a South Indian Theme and Etude in Arabic Rhythms--may be performed on any of several frame drums. The pieces are intended to explore the musical potential of frame drums in a soloistic context. They are not necessarily intended to be performed as a suite, and thus are not conceived as appearing in any particular order in a public performance." I was particularly impressed with Williams' attention to detail. He includes specific performance instructions and detailed descriptions of the various instruments used. Furthermore, he even notes that fingering suggestions assume a right-handed playing position. Left-handed players should reverse all "R" and "L" indications. Cyclic Invention on 8/9/92 can be performed on a tar or bendir. Quatrinity can be performed on a tar or bodhran. Variations on a South Indian Theme is performed on a kanjira and Etude in Arabic Rhythms can be performed on a tar or riq. Personally, I am totally enthralled with this collection of frame drum solos. I have several students currently preparing them for undergraduate and graduate recitals. Bravo and thank you, B. Michael Williams!

Reviewed by: Lisa Rogers
Review originally published: February 1997
Member Reviews for Four Solos for Frame Drums, B. Michael Williams

Rating: 5 A Wonderful Range of Flavors 04/11/2003
Jeff Kersh - drjkersh@yahoo.com
The body of compositions for solo hand drums is so limited, "Four Solos for Frame Drums" would be a revelation even if it weren't excellently written, thoroughly notated and just plain fun to perform. It is all of these things, fortunately, and Mr. Williams deserves all the credit he can get for bringing these instruments to the fore. The solos range from relatively simple to a bit esoteric for Western tastes (counting a la tabla is something I'm afraid I may never be able to do), and there's something for everyone. I've performed one piece and am preparing another for local concertgoers. Small audiences really appreciate the new and different, and this piece of music allows me to give it to them. More!