A delightful piece for both the hands and the mind, “Palm Sunday” is a single-movement solo for concert snare drum, five minutes in length when performed at the notated tempos. Structurally, the work is organized in three large sections (fast, slower with snares off, fast) clearly creating the sense of a traditional three-movement narrative. 

Musically, the piece unfolds through rapidly changing variations of several germinal rhythmic ideas. These motives dance and weave through multiple meter changes, often with quick technical segues to keep the hands engaged. The execution of these quickly morphing figures requires sharp dynamic contrast and control, precise treatment of the embellishments, and crisp rhythmic articulation to keep a sense of forward momentum. 

Technically, the rudiments required are largely contained to the standard “orchestral rudiments” (flams, 3- and 4-stroke ruffs, concert rolls). But the lively tempo markings require a full mastery of both single- and double-stroke rebounds as well. The work is not for beginning or even intermediate snare drummers. There is plenty of meat here, both technically and musically, for an audition, competition, or recital. 

The challenges presented in Jason Baker’s solo are written in an interesting vocabulary that is refreshing for those playing a steady diet of Delécluse and more established concert solos. I can easily recommend “Palm Sunday” for advanced players looking to polish their concert touch or refine their rhythmic security, or for anyone looking for performance material with a few surprise “twists and turns.”