RDNZLBy Frank ZappaArranged For Percussion By Mike MyersFrank Zappa (1940-1993), will go down in history not only as a composer, musician, artist, satirist, and philosopher but also as a unique individual committed to the preservation of: truth, honesty, sincerity, freedom of expression, and the rights guaranteed to all in the US Constitution and Bill Of Rights. His was a life-long task dedicated to: entertaining us, informing us, and encouraging us to help stamp out ignorance. Although his voice was recently silenced, his music and his message live on.RDNZL (Pronounced: Re-DUN'-zel) was written in the early 70s (probably 73-74) and originally released on a 1978 unauthorized Warner Brothers album entitled Studio Tan. It also appeared on You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Volumes: 2 and 5 as well as numerous bootleg recordings. It has become a favorite "classic" among Zappa fans worldwide for its beautiful melodies, contrasting musical sections, and exciting solo passages. A 1992 phone conversation with Mr. Zappa revealed the admission that printed music no longer existed to RDNZL. From that point, it became my mission to make sure that this piece did not disappear into obscurity. Unlike the two other two Zappa selections I arranged for percussion ensemble, this time I was completely on my own in transcribing the composition off the recording with no printed music to assist me. With the help of my trusty computer and MIDI studio, I was able to digitally sample many of the more difficult passages from the recorded versions of RDNZL, slow them down (sometimes to one quarter the original speed) and accurately transcribe notes, rhythms and chords. RDNZL has now been "captured" and preserved for posterity! The result is proudly presented here in this arrangement for the percussion ensemble. InstrumentationBells Purchase RDNZL
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