| The instrument of the month for March is the timpani,
a member of the percussion family. The timpani, also known as kettledrums,
has been used in the orchestra since the mid-17th century. At first
they were mainly used to express rejoicing or to support the brass
in loud passages. Later, they were used in more varied and expressive
ways, due in large part to the innovations of Ludwig van Beethoven.
The timpani originated in the Middle East, where it was associated
with trumpets as symbols of royal power and status. They were usually
played in pairs, each drum tuned to a different pitch.
The modern timpani are bowl-shaped shells usually made of copper
or brass. A metal hoop secures the drumhead. The tension of the
drumhead can be tightened or loosened by the pedal and by the hand
screws attached to the metal hoop. The timpani are tuned to play
specific pitches, and the sound can vary according to the head of
the drumstick used. |
If you see a timpanist leaning over a timpani during an orchestra
performance and tapping on the drumhead, they are re-tuning the
drum for the next time they play a new pitch. |
