Timpani is a type of percussion instrument. It consists of a drum head, drum barrel, and drumsticks. The drum head was originally made of animal leather. In the 1950s, plastic drum heads were invented. So everyone knows the music theory knowledge of timpani. ? Now let me introduce to you the relevant music theory knowledge of timpani.
Music theory knowledge of timpani 1: Instrument structure
Timpani (Timpani) is composed of drum body, drum skin, timpani system and drum cone. Drum body: metal structure; drum skin: cow, sheep, donkey skin can be used, or synthetic materials can be used. Drum: short wooden drum. Depending on your performance needs, decide whether to wrap one end with elastic material.
The drum body of the timpani is a pot-shaped body made of copper, and then the drum body is covered with a drum skin. Since the timpani has only one eardrum and the drum body has the function of adjusting the sound, there will be no complicated ringing phenomenon, so the timpani can recognize a certain rhythm. A common saying is that the timpani head must be 100% round, otherwise the sound produced will never be pure and clear. The traditional timpani skin is made of calfskin, but today the use of plastic leather is more common than calfskin. This reason is that the material from the plastic film is less likely to be affected by the natural environment (temperature, humidity, etc.) It is also easier to obtain the timpani head that is easily affected by changes in the external environment. However, the timpani head made of animal skin is often easily affected by changes in the external environment. But in terms of timbre, animal skin eardrums are better than plastic ones, and the sound is purer, thicker and fuller. Therefore, if you choose to play on a timpani made of animal skin, you will need higher skills to overcome the characteristic that its sound quality is easily changed by the external environment.
Music theory knowledge of timpani 2: Characteristics of the instrument
Timpani is a single-diaphragm musical instrument and is expensive to make. The timpani produces a sound of a fixed frequency (i.e. pitch) and can change the pitch within a range of fifths. The tone is soft and full, the volume can be controlled, different intensity can express different musical contents, and sometimes the melody can even be played directly. The performance method is divided into two types: solo and rolling. Single playing is mostly used for rhythmic accompaniment, while rolling can imitate the sound of thunder and has a realistic effect. As a chromatic percussion instrument, the timpani's rich expressive power is far beyond what ordinary percussion instruments can match.
Timpani are divided into three types: large, medium and small. There are usually three to four drums in a symphony orchestra, played by one musician, to achieve the harmonic effect of the drum sound itself. On the surface, the timpani may seem like the easiest instrument to play, but in reality it requires a considerable amount of confidence and timing on the part of the drummer to successfully master it. The drummer often has to sit silently for a certain period of time, then count the chapters, and then deliver a deafening blow at the moment when he must intervene. The slightest mistake will be known to everyone.
Timpani music theory knowledge three: playing skills
The drumsticks of the timpani are made of wood, and the top is wrapped with felt and other materials to make various soft and hard drumsticks of different sizes. Drumsticks have a lot to do with the quality of the sound produced.
Drumsticks with large head can be used to play full and loud sounds; drumsticks with medium head are suitable for playing music with moderate intensity and tend to be light; drumsticks with small head are suitable for playing various kinds of music. Particularly refined playing method. Players can choose appropriate drumsticks according to their needs.