This isan't really a cadence. Well i guess it could be. So please if you know anything about it respond soon before the topic is closed. I put it here because i didn't know where else i could put it. I was wondering does anyone know anything about the snare solo "Downfall of Paris" I heard about it from one of my friends. But he is away on vacation and i can't ask him. Is it worth playing and is it like a old school solo or is it more like a traditonal solo?

"Downfall of Paris" is a very old fife and drum solo. So in answer to your question it would be very, very old school as well as traditional. It was originally played on sling drums from the Revolutionary War time period. Good old deep drums, calfskin heads, and side slings. There is actually a fife part to go along with the snare, but I'm not sure it comes with the snare part.

It has been a long time since I have played through this solo. It is only of moderate to easy difficulty. The hard part is decoding the circles and triangles meant as the sticking guidelines. They use filled in and open circle and triangles to show stickings.

I have it and about 3 or 4 variations of it in an intermediate snare book I have (first book I ever had). Go ahead and try and find a copy, it's worth a read-through.

I forgot to answer that part of the post. Yes, I definitely think it is worth checking in to. Downfall of Paris is one of the classic snare solos. Everyone should read through it at some point. It is like "Three Camps" and the John Pratt book. They should be required reading. Even if a solo isn't the hardest thing ever written, it is still worth reading through. The more reading you do, they better player you will be.

As a percussionist, it's good to know this solo....but it's not really challenging. And it doesn't even sound that great. But it's still basics, I suppose.

We have to play that stupid thing for class! Die Downfall of Paris, Die! <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Man, that solo is a part of history. dont diss the downfall.

"one of the best"? That's being a little, uh...generous, don't you think?

Don't get me wrong, drumholio is right, it's part of our heritage as rudimental drummers and not to be dissed.

BUT, personally I'd only go so far as calling a "classic" and maybe just leave it at that!


A whole bunch of rudimental drumming "who's who's" (including Jeff Queen) played The Downfall of Paris together at the Pasic convention this past year during an evening concert.

Jeff was trying not to look bored, but if it weren't for the flams, he could've play the thing one-handed even if he was all glazed-out on sedatives (which he definitely wasn't)!

Oh, by telling it to die I am not saying it is essential to the world of the drummer, it is just annoying to me. We have to play it in class to move "up a level" which is this messed up thing our BD is doing. Anyway, no offense to anyone with the kill downfall of paris comment. <img src="/threads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

well "downfall of Paris" is a pretty good piece to play and its great forlearning new stuff.I have seen it before and it was hard for me but if you practice and get a little bit of help from someone you can be playing that piece without the music in front of you.If its annoying then make it so it doesnt annoy you by learning it and trying at it before you give up. If the piece its too hard for you ask your director about second thoughts in that aspect. Otherwise i would say try your best. Good luck with the dowfall of paris i wish you the best of drumming for that.Let us know how you do with trying it out.