Writing for percussion 2 - timpani for the devil

Timpani – what they are, what they do

Timpani – or kettledrums (the same thing, just a more old-fashioned name) – have been largely ever-present in the orchestra from the early 18^th century onwards. Originally being found in pairs and of relatively small sizes, they would have been used processionally mounted either side of a horse.

Fast-forwarding to the 21^st century, it’s now safe to assume a set of four, in sizes ranging from 23” in diameter to perhaps 32”, each of which is equipped with a pedal giving each timp a range of about a 6^th – varying according to make.

Timpanists despair of anyone ever writing properly for the timps, and I’d love to be able to give you an insight into perfect timp writing, but it’s such a minefield that all I can do is call your attention to some examples of good and bad practice, throw you a few tips, then leave you to be insulted by timpanists. It’s inevitable. Don’t take it personally.

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