Arriving in Europe with the Crusades, the timpani is a particular type of drum consisting of a hemispherical bowl-shaped body with a membrane stretched over it, which is struck with two beaters. Unlike most membranophones, the timpani has a fixed pitch and can be tuned to specific pitches using special pedals. Capable of both rhythmic and melodic functions, it is considered one of the most important percussion instruments. Not surprisingly, it is the oldest percussion instrument introduced into orchestras, frequently used since the Baroque era. Discover the history, characteristics, and sound of the timpani, an instrument that finds a place in various musical contexts, from classical to contemporary music.

Brief History of the Timpano

The timpano, also called kettledrum, is a very ancient musical instrument. Its predecessor, of eastern origin, was already known to the Sumerians and, from the 5th century BC, also in Greece (τύμπανον). This ancient prototype of the timpano was widely used in festive ceremonies, to rhythm dances and songs, especially religious ones. With its frantic cadence, it helped exalt the devotees in the worship of Dionysus, Cybele, and Attis, the latter being deities originally from Phrygia.

It is believed that the actual timpano, capable of producing sounds of different pitches, were introduced to Europe by the Saracens in the 12th century. The Arabs called it naqqāra (hence the Italian name naccheroni), a term referring to a military percussion instrument similar to a drum that was played on horseback or on the back of a camel to signal the stages of battle. Its loud sound was meant to increase the tension of their own troops and irritate the enemy.

The first appearance of timpano in orchestras occurred in 1607 in the opera Orfeo by Claudio Monteverdi. However, the introduction of this instrument into orchestras is generally attributed to the French musician Lully in the 1675 musical tragedy Thésée. Even Haydn included timpano interventions in his symphonies. In particular, Symphony No. 103 is referred to as “with the roll of timpano” because of the long roll with which the timpano open the first movement.

For a long time associated with the trumpet, the timpano did not become a solo instrument until the time of Beethoven, who helped give it independence and expressive value. A typical example is the second movement (a Scherzo) of Symphony No. 9.

Among the timpani makers, the most famous are the Germans, who in the 16th century invented screw tensioners, allowing the tension of the membrane to be modified to achieve perfect tuning. The first pedal timpani was built in Germany in 1882. This allowed the pitch to be changed with a simple press of the foot, greatly enhancing the instrument’s capabilities.

In contemporary times, timpani have taken on an important role even outside classical music. A prime example is the strong timpani solo in the opening theme of The Flintstones, inspired by Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 17 (The Tempest). Timpani are now also used in pop and rock music thanks to drummers like Roger Taylor of Queen.

Timpano: Identity Card

The timpano is a percussion instrument made of a hemispherical shell of copper, brass, or other metal alloys (kettle), with a membrane stretched over the top. Once made from animal skin (ox, goat, calf, etc.), today it is made of a sheet of mylar, a high-quality material more resistant to humidity and temperature changes. The skin of the timpani is stretched using six or eight screws, which allow for a wide range of sounds.

The sound is produced by striking the skin with two mallets (beaters), usually made of ash, with a rounded head covered with felt, cotton, or other materials depending on the desired effect. The kettle also contributes to the sound production, both through its walls and the air trapped inside, which acts as a blocker for the sound wave directed downward.

Depending on the diameter of the kettle, the timpano can be:

• bass (75-80 cm)

• large (65-70 cm)

• small (60-65 cm)

• high-pitched (55-60 cm).

It belongs to the family of membranophones, which includes all musical instruments where the vibrating element is a stretched membrane.

The timpano is the only tuned membranophone: the pitch of the sound produced depends on the tension of the skin, which can be adjusted through a mechanism activated by pedals located under the kettle. By simultaneously adjusting all the screw tensioners, the pedals cause the membrane’s tension to increase or decrease. The determined note is indicated by the tuning indicator, located on the right or left side of the instrument.

In the past, the tension screws were tightened or loosened manually, one by one, and it was not possible to tune the instrument during a performance. Therefore, to cover the full range required by the score, several instruments were used.

Among the most famous manufacturers are: Ludwig, Pearl, Adams, Yamaha, Majestic, Evans, Ringer Gunter.

What Sound Does the Timpano Make?

As mentioned earlier, the timpano produces tuned sounds and therefore serves both harmonic and rhythmic functions. The pitch can be modified with great precision, allowing the timpanist to produce different notes from each other. Depending on how tightly the skin is stretched, the sound will be higher or lower. However, the tuning is limited to a fifth, so usually more timpani (at least two) are used to provide a wider variety of sounds.

Another factor that affects the instrument’s timbre is the size of the kettle: the larger the kettle, the deeper and more powerful the sound produced.

How to Play the Timpano

The performer (timpanist) plays standing, holding the mallets in their hands to strike the membrane. The skin is struck at one-quarter distance between the edge and the center. It’s important to know that the closer the strike is to the edge, the more brilliant the sound will be.

One of the most common techniques is the “glissando“, achieved by striking the membrane while simultaneously pressing the pedal during its free oscillation.

The type of mallet used is also important: using different types of beaters allows for adjusting the “color” and “dryness” of the sound. Sometimes, during a piece, different materials of beaters are alternated to achieve different sound effects.

Use of the Timpano

In classical/symphonic orchestras, timpano are usually present in pairs and placed at the back, among other percussion instruments and the brass section. If the composition requires it, the timpanist may be surrounded by a set of three, four, or more instruments of different tunings, playing them with different types of mallets to achieve a variety of sound effects.

In symphonic music, timpani are great for representing natural phenomena, such as thunderstorms and tempests, as well as dramatic emotional states. They play an essential role in preparation (roll), creating grand sounds, and in pianissimos full of tension and expectation.

Sometimes they are found in marching bands, used with a strap and played with specific mallets.