Backstage pass: Tom Edwards on percussion in The Planets and Star Wars

There are some thrilling percussion moments in this programme. Do you have a favourite passage to play?

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that playing Mars or Jupiter from the planets isn’t always a thrill. It’s such wonderfully written music and we’re at the forefront of the landscape as it unfolds, whether enhancing the relentless menace of Mars or adding to he energy and majesty of Jupiter. In Star Wars I don’t think anyone can deny the impact of the very opening few bars of the main titles – it’s become such an iconic moment in the orchestral repertoire and never fails to raise the hairs on the back of your neck! I’d love to have been old enough to be on the very first recording session as those main titles were played for the first time – it must have been incredible!

Were you a Star Wars fan before playing the music? Does performing it change how you experience the films?

Although I was never a Star Wars ‘super fan’ I loved watching the films as I grew up, and the music had a huge impact on me. I’d say having seen the films has more of an impact on performing the music more than anything – you can envisage the sequences and story in your mind as you play which adds another dimension of involvement and excitement for the musicians.

What’s one thing audience members might not realize about the role of percussion in these pieces?

The audience might not realise just how much we’re enjoying ourselves! The percussion writing in both pieces is so incredibly rewarding to play. In The Planets the orchestration is so masterful that every note we play has a purpose, and is so well balanced in the context of the ensemble that it’s a very satisfying experience. John Williams percussion writing is equally as enjoyable as we’re always supporting or driving the heart of an emotional or dramatic context, from suspense and anticipation to majesty and triumph – the percussion are always an integral part of the story.

If you could play percussion on any planet from Holst’s suite – or in the Star Wars galaxy – where would it be and why?

I’ve long been fascinated by the idea of space travel, if I had to choose any planet to visit it would likely be Mars – the possibility that life may have existed there billions of years ago is mind-blowing. I have to be honest though, if I had the chance to go there the last thing I’d pack is a pair of sticks!

You can envisage the sequences and story in your mind as you play which adds another dimension of involvement and excitement for the musicians.