Timpani Definition
Timpani are members of the percussion family of music instruments. They're also commonly known as kettledrums. Unlike most drums they produce an actual pitch when struck and can be tuned to a particular range of notes. Once restricted as military drums, timpani have evolved to being a staple in orchestras, concerts, marching and even rock bands.
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History
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Timpani were first used as European military drums during the 13th century. At that time, they were 16 to 17 inches in diameter, and about as deep as they were wide. They started being used in orchestras in the 17th century which led to various changes in the instrument's size.
Structure:
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In addition to their enormous copper bowls, timpani consist of skin referred to as the head, which is stretched across a hemispherical center. The drum head is connected to a hoop attached to the bowl with tuning screws. The tuning screws are placed regularly along the circumference of the drum. The head tension is adjusted by either loosening or tightening the screws. Although sizes vary, the standard timpani set consists of four drums at 80 cm (32 inch.), 75 cm (29 inch.), 66 cm (26 inch.) and 61 cm (23 inch.).
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Timpani Types
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The machine timpani developed toward the end of the 19th Century. It has a system that adjusts the pitch of the entire head all at once. Pedal timpani adjusts the tension of the head with a pedal mechanism, while chain timpani rely on screws connected by chain much like those found on a bicycle. These screws can be tightened or loosened by a handle in order to adjust the drum pitch.
Sticks/Mallets
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Timpani sticks are also referred to as mallets. They consist of heads and shafts typically made of either bamboo or hickory wood. Sticks may vary in weight, head size and shaft material in order to achieve various sounds.
Technique
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Timpani are commonly played by beating the drum heads approximately 4 inches away from the rims in order to achieve round and resonant sound. A timpani roll is achieved when the head is struck rapidly while alternating sticks. The tone and quality of timpani may be altered without changing sticks. Thin sounds are achieved by making strikes closer to the edge of the drums. To achieve the best possible sound, a timpanist must clear the head by adjusting the pitch at all of the screws so every spot is tuned to the same pitch.
Tuning
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Timpani are tuned by a method known as interval tuning. A tuning fork is referenced for pitch, and then the correct note is arrived at by using musical intervals. Some timpani are equipped with musical gauges that provide the pitch. However, every time the drum is moved, its overall pitch changes. Timpanists are commonly required to tune in the middle of pieces.
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