Percussion instrument consisting of a hemispheric copper shell with a head of plastic or calfskin, held in place by a metal ring and played with soft or hard padded sticks. A pedal mechanism changes the tension of the head, and with it the pitch. Also kettle-drums. In this example, the timpani (played in pairs) keeps a strong beat. Example: Mouret, Rondeau Real Audio: 28K | 56K | About this album

a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it

Percussion instrument consisting of a hemispheric copper shell with a head of plastic or calfskin, held in place by a metal ring and played with soft or hard padded sticks. A pedal mechanism changes the tension of the head, and with it the pitch. Also kettledrums. Example: Mouret, "Rondeau" Real Audio: 28k | 56k | About this album In this example, the timpani (played in pairs) keeps a strong beat.