Varèse's Ionisation

Ionisation by Edgard Varèse is one of the most famous 20th Century pieces for Percussion Ensemble.
Written in 1931, it has become particularly noted for its magnitude as thirteen percussionists are required to play 43 different instruments.

The C.M.P. Instrument Hire Service is able to provide all the instruments required for this piece as follows:

Percussionist 1

24" Chinese Cymbal, 36" Adams Bass Drum and Large Hand Cowbell (muted with a cloth).

Percussionist 2

Gong, 40" and 24" Tam-Tams and Mountable Cowbell (muted with a cloth).

Percussionist 3

Two pairs of skin bongos, tenor drum, 36" Premier and 32" Bass Drums.

Percussionist 4

Calf field drum and calf tenor drum.

Percussionist 5

Lion's Roar (and théremin)

Percussionist 6

Siren, whip and guiro.

Percussionist 7

Plastic temple blocks, ceramic claves and triangle.

Percussionist 8

Two snare drum, maracas, tambourim and suspended cymbal

Percussionist 9

French clash cymbals, sleighbells and large set of tubular bells.

Percussionist 10

Washboard, casatanets and celesta

Percussionist 11

Tambourine, two steel bars (for anvil effects) and 36" Tam-Tam.

Percussionist 12

Handle whip, triangle, sleighbells (and piano)

Percussionist 13

(Piano)