Timpani (kettledrums)
Timpani, also known as kettledrums, are large percussion instruments characterized by a thin skin stretched over a rounded, bowl-shaped body. Typically found in sets of two or three, these drums are notable for their unique tone, which resonates clearly in orchestral settings due to their curved construction. Timpani heads can range from 20 to over 30 inches in diameter and are traditionally made from animal skins, such as calfskin or goatskin, although modern versions may use plastic heads for reduced maintenance. The sound is produced by striking the drumheads with specialized mallets that feature soft faces to prevent damage.
Timpani drumheads are attached to hollow kettles and are suspended in a frame, allowing them to vibrate freely when played. Each drum produces a different range of notes, allowing for a variety of musical expressions. Timpani players often arrange their drums in a crescent shape around them, enabling easy access to each drum while maintaining a central position. Overall, timpani play a vital role in both classical and contemporary orchestral music, offering rich and powerful tones that enhance musical compositions.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Timpani (kettledrums)
Timpani, also called kettledrums, are percussion instruments composed of a thin skin stretched tightly over a rounded, bowl-shaped body. Timpani usually come in sets of two or three drums. Timpani have a curved body, which gives them a unique tone that resonates clearly in large orchestral pieces. Timpani are usually struck with soft, heavy mallets to create their signature sound.
Overview
Timpani are large drums commonly arranged on specialized suspensions. Timpani heads commonly range from 20 inches (51 centimeters) in diameter to more than 30 inches (76 centimeters) in diameter. The curved construction of timpani produces a unique tone used in an array of classical and modern orchestral music.
Like most drums, timpani are constructed of hollow bowls called kettles. A thin fabric is tightly stretched over each kettle and secured to the sides with a series of tuning rods. This creates the drumhead. The drumhead and kettle are suspended in a frame that allows them to vibrate freely when struck.
Timpani drumheads are traditionally made of calfskin or goatskin. Other animal skins commonly used to make drumheads, such as cow skin, are too think to use on timpani. It takes a whole animal to skin to make a timpani drumhead. The skin is carefully prepared, with the thickest area used for the center of the drumhead.
Some modern timpani use plastic heads instead of animal skin. Unlike traditional heads, plastic drumheads do not expand or contract in different temperatures. For this reason, plastic drumheads require significantly less maintenance than drumheads made from animal skin.
Like most drums, timpani are played by striking the drumhead. When the drumhead is struck, the skin vibrates. The vibration produced by the skin echoes inside the kettle, increasing the sound's volume and altering its tone. The bowl shape of timpani produces a different tone than the traditional cylindrical body of other drums.
Timpani are played with specialized, top-heavy mallets. Timpani mallets have soft faces to stop them from damaging the delicate drumhead. The mallets may be held in a French grip or a German grip. In a French grip, the musician's thumbs are on top of the mallet, and the wrists are turned inward. In the German grip, the thumbs are placed on the sides of the mallet, and the wrists are parallel to the floor.
When striking timpani, the musician should not swing with force. The weight of the mallet is enough to create a rich, powerful tone. Using too much force will damage the drum. The mallet should be swung straight down. It should strike roughly four inches from the outside rim of the drum. It should then be quickly snapped back into the air to allow the drum head to resonate.
Most timpani players play several timpani of different sizes. Each drum produces a different range of notes, allowing the musician to play a variety of beats and melodies. Drums are arranged in a crescent around the musician, allowing the drummer to rotate his or her torso to reach each drum without moving from the central location.
Bibliography
"Construction of the Timpani." Yamaha, www.yamaha.com/en/musical‗instrument‗guide/timpani/mechanism/mechanism002.html. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.
Hoffman, Stewart. "An Introduction to Timpani Performance." Stewart Hoffman Music, 2007, www.stewarthoffmanmusic.com/articles-percussion-techniques.php?id=47. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.
Papastefan, John J. "Timpani Sizes and Ranges." Percussive Arts Society, www.pas.org/docs/default-source/pasic-archives/TimpRanges.pdf. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.
Porambo, Alyssa. "10 Things You Need to Know about the Timpani." Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, www.bsomusic.org/stories/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-timpani/. 15 Sept. 2017.
Proctor, Andrew. "Timpani Mallets: Your Ultimate Guide." Free Percussion Lessons, freepercussionlessons.com/ultimate-timpani-mallets-guide/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.
Proctor, Andrew. "Timpani Pedals Explained: Your Guide to Working the Timpani Pedal." Free Percussion Lessons, freepercussionlessons.com/timpani-pedals-explained/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.
Schweizer, Steven. "Top 13 Timpani Questions for High School Band and Orchestra Conductors." Band Director, 2010, www.banddirector.com/article/pg-percussiondrums-and-timpani/top-13-timpani-questions-for-high-school-band-and-orchestra-conductors. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.
"Timpani: Definition, History and Facts." Study.com, 2017, study.com/academy/lesson/timpani-definition-history-facts.html. Accessed 15 Sept. 2017.