This lively and highly informative contribution to the Menuhin Music Guides covers all aspects of percussion - the instruments, the percussion section within the orchestra and the use of percussion in chamber music and as a solo instrument. James Holland is not afraid to attack composers, conductors and music publishers as he puts the percussionist's point of view. Among his comments on how to interpret a percussion score and lay out and play a vast array of complex instruments are detailed analyses of Walton's 'Facade' and works by Gerhard and Stockhausen.