Grosse caisse

As Printed on a Score

French for bass drum, abbreviated Gr. C. or G.C. on later systems — the same short forms as Italian gran cassa, for the same instrument. Written on a single line or low in the bass clef; tremolo strokes ask for a roll, and laissez vibrer or étouffez tells the player whether a stroke rings or is damped.

Abbreviations: Gr. C., Gr. Caisse, G.C.

How Composers Use It

The orchestra’s deepest unpitched sound: a single soft stroke is felt as much as heard, a roll gives distant thunder, and a full stroke anchors a tutti climax. Name the beater if you want something other than the usual soft mallet (mailloche) — timpani sticks for a clearer roll — and mark the ring at each stroke that matters, because the drum sounds for a long time.

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