Timpani

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the timpani is powerful, rolling, thunderous, capable of conveying tension, anxiety, or a triumphal thunderclap. They can sound as dry strikes or thick sustained rolls (tremolo).

Structure and Features

They consist of a hemispherical copper or fiberglass kettle with a leather or plastic membrane stretched across it. Using a foot pedal, the musician alters membrane tension, precisely tuning the timpani to a target pitch in the orchestral score.

Genres

• Symphonic classical music (from Bach to Mahler)
• Academic percussion ensembles
• Epic soundtracks