Word: timpanists
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1990-1999
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
However, despite a historical background of blustering and banging, the modern timpani is an intensely subtle instrument. Depending on the music being played, a timpanist will use from two to five drums, each a different size and in a different register. Each individual timpani can be tuned up or down during the actual performance, so the percussionist actually has a significant melodic range. Formerly, this tuning was done by carefully twisting the screws holding down the drumhead but most timpanis today are constructed to be tuned with a pedal. This is quicker and allows one to tune two timpanis...
...first movement has a dramatic trumpet entrance, and is followed throughout the section with dark urgency. The BSO conveyed these emotions ably, exhibiting an impressive dynamic range. In particular, the timpanist threw his energy into the unusual parts scored for him, and successfully conveyed the excitement of the work...