What is This Percussion Instrument?

**baroque flute** · Aug-14-2004, 06:50

Something I'm curious about: what is that percussion instrument that sounds sort of like the sound you would make by clicking your tongue (but much better, naturally

)? It it some kind of wood block? I've heard it used in classical music. There's so many percussion instruments out there that I find it kind of dizzying. But I'm interested in using percussion in my compositions, and learning about what's out there.

**Quaverion** · Aug-14-2004, 23:52

I know just what you speak of. It also sounds like a horse clip-clopping along, right? I have heard them reffered to as just "wooden blocks" before, or just "the blocks." Maybe there is a real name for them, but if there is I don't know it.

**baroque flute** · Sep-06-2004, 10:41

Thanks, Quaverion! I am going to see if there are some on my electric keyboard. I might use them sometime. I am interested in some of hose odd percussion instruments. I like the way Tchaikovsky used varied percussion in his works (except not the cymbals&#33

.

**Daniel** · Sep-06-2004, 10:45

Originally posted by baroque flute@Sep 6 2004, 09:41 AM
(except not the cymbals&#33.

[snapback]1736[/snapback]

Very right!

The violin concert and major orchestral works besides the suites are often without them - luckily B)

**Quaverion** · Sep-07-2004, 20:07

I just learned that Danse Macabre had wooden blocks to resemble skeletons along with the violin. All I have heard was the violin and piano, plus the orchestral version.

**godzillaviolist** · Jan-23-2005, 05:32

I thought he just used the xylophone? Or is that what you are reffering to?
godzilla

**tutto** · May-04-2007, 22:28

maybe temple block? in shape of mouth.
cajkovski wrote a kinder trommel

**Mr Salek** · May-04-2007, 23:15

Is it a clave?

**Mark Harwood** · May-05-2007, 09:12

It may well be claves, which have a range of sounds because they may be solid or hollow, and can be made from wood, plastic or fibreglass. Hollow wooden blocks are used too, and you may see them in the shape of a skull.

**Rondo** · Oct-18-2007, 01:19

Originally Posted by tutto

maybe temple block? in shape of mouth.
cajkovski wrote a kinder trommel

Temple block is right. Claves sound similar, with a kind of *snap, snap* sound.

They are used in Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite in On the Trail, as well as Sleigh Ride, and various soundtracks of spaghetti westerns.

**Violin_Frenzy** · Nov-24-2007, 09:07

Originally Posted by baroque flute

Thanks, Quaverion! I am going to see if there are some on my electric keyboard. I might use them sometime. I am interested in some of hose odd percussion instruments. I like the way Tchaikovsky used varied percussion in his works (except not the cymbals!).

I absolutely HATE Tchaikovsky. I seriously can't put into words how much I hate it. I'm more of a Baroque Man myself. Chopin is really the only Romantic composer I can stand.

**Rondo** · Nov-29-2007, 20:15

I particularly enjoy Bartok's compositions with percussion instruments. Beethoven also did some pretty good percussion writing in his later works.

**trojan-rabbit** · Dec-31-2007, 18:28

Originally Posted by Violin_Frenzy

I absolutely HATE Tchaikovsky. I seriously can't put into words how much I hate it. I'm more of a Baroque Man myself. Chopin is really the only Romantic composer I can stand.

We should have a long talk.....

Just kidding

As you can see, I'm somewhat fond of late romantic, early contemporary composers

So no Classical for you, then? Other than Tchaikovsky, of course

**Kezza** · May-13-2008, 20:27

Originally Posted by Rondo

Temple block is right. Claves sound similar, with a kind of *snap, snap* sound.

I would say Temple Blocks as well. Very cool instrument. Normally come with 5 different tones. Relatively Popular in Concert Band music.

Temple Block solos ftw!

**halfasemitone** · Oct-28-2009, 07:04

Definitely not claves.

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