Timpani (singular: timpano), also known as kettle drums, are a staple of most orchestras. They are best known for their deep booming sound, which on the lower notes is quite thunderous, yet not so much as the concert bass drum. Some timpani are specially made to reach lower or higher notes. They go along quite well with snare drums and concert toms, as well as the aforementioned bass drums.
Of note is the many ways that can be employed to tune these drums. The most common is by pedal, which allows one to use their foot for tuning, and is connected to the tuning screws by a spider, or an array of metal cords or rods. Another, less common method is chain tuning, in which a large chain is run around the head of the instrument, much like the chain of a bicycle, and a single large hammer allows for the tuning. There are several other methods as well, but these are the main two.
No comments:
Post a Comment