Instrument: Timpani

In this film, Andy Smith introduces his instruments - the timpani.
To learn more about the timpani visit www.philharmoni...
The Philharmonia is a world-class symphony orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali.
Based in London at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, resident in cities and at festivals across England, and touring internationally, the Philharmonia creates thrilling performances for a global audience. Find out more about us on our website: philharmonia.c...
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[@SmileytheSmile]

Judging by how the video ended, I'm just gonna assume that Mr. Smith kept playing indefinitely, until a whole squad had to drag him away from the timpani while he was resisting fiercely.

[@ComposerJames]

More like the whole percussion section

[@igorpedrofarias7318]

hahahahah please write a symphonic orchestra sitcom

[@brisket5588]

I’m a timpanist. This dude is Is like the philosopher of timpani

[@rockets4kids]

Is the timpany solo a thing? If so, can you recommend some good ones?

[@rimmersbryggeri]

Great guy. The thumbnail looked like Terry Jones and this guy is a narrator at the same level.

[@memeu]

philosophy needs time to crystallize it reminds me scene from Swedish comedy "Sound of Noise" where character (timpanist) looks at his script during audition (pause, pause (pause on and on) finally full note) then he say "I hate Haydn"

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@memeu What is that called in swedish?

[@memeu]

​@@rimmersbryggeri dunno, I'm not swedish, ask google

[@brothergoodfoot]

These videos aren't just great for kids. I've been playing music professionally for years- even bothered to get a college degree in music- and I'm learning a ton from watching. Unfortunately, I don't own every single orchestral instrument, and I'm not at liberty to go rummaging around the local symphony orchestra's rehearsal space playing around with their instruments. So I'm enchanted to discover your thoughtful, thorough, and polished videos. Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a great resource :)

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Van Hollingsworth Thank you so much for watching and for you nice feedback!

[@shanesolves9008]

Nice last name lol

[@bishop2985]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) how dose a philharmonic get its instruments

[@pea2220]

Van Hollingsworth bragging

[@maxalaintwo3578]

Lmao bothered

[@GS-qe3pt]

He convinced me, I'm buying a timpani

[@GoddamnAxl]

The beauty of an orchestra is that everyone think they are the most important part of the orchestra.. and they really are!

[@Ucceah]

that sustain is crazy for a drum

[@shiningarmor2838]

The drum is called "timpani" for a reason

[@realmczappa]

Shining Armor ??? All that means is "drums" in latin.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

That is why you always stop the sound with your hand.

[@ET2carbon]

@@shiningarmor2838 burn

[@jacob_sieger]

You should see a gong

[@richardhead8264]

I _love_ the tension that the Timpani creates in musical pieces! This instrument really stands out and sets the mood.

[@Jessicafiregirl]

he absolutely loves his instrument :D

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Jessi Düpdedü He really does, Andy Smith has been playing with the Philharmonia Orchestra for over forty years!

[@nikolas5712]

OMG

[@nikolas5712]

@@philharmonia_orchestra his name is Andrew Smith

[@Croqueto__PRL]

@@nikolas5712 xdxd? Andy is same as Andrew. Its like Steve from Steven.

[@djaxupjazz]

@@philharmonia_orchestra he has made me want to learn this instrument. His enthusiasm is addicting!

[@Skutieos7]

I like that you emphasize that there isn't a set way of playing the timpani. I've been told my technique is bad, but I know for a fact that it produces a good sound, so that's what I'm sticking with.

[@DolphinPain]

I always wondered what was so significant about the timpani that caused many to love it. After seeing this video I thinkk I understand.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Timpani are brilliant! Thank you for watching.

[@typo1345]

Being a composer myself, I write plenty of Timpani solo areas for powerful scenes in movies (I'm a film composer) and it really backs it up. Say you have a scene with a viking ship sailing powerfully towards a monk settlement, you want a low Timpani rhythm and a roll up to a low brass rhythm. It really is awesome.

[@12345fowler]

@@philharmonia_orchestra I loved that he mentionned the Zaratoustra piece because without knowing anything about it (firstly the name of this Timpani instrument) I always loved that grand opening in both the original piece and also the 2001 Space Odyssey adaptation.

[@ourochroma]

So Timpanies created that BOOOiiiinng Sound

[@Coolcat607]

As a composer, these videos are always a great help. It is a nice reminder to hear certain things on certain instruments in order to get a better 'picture' of how it will sound in an ensemble I am writing for.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Coolcat607 We're so glad to hear that the films are helpful! Best of luck with your composing.

[@MsTokies]

as a person who lives in the USA. it always kinda shocked me that we dont have a comprehensive music program starting k-12. everyone should be able to play something even if they are bad at it. and everyone should have an instrument. we spend so much time teaching kids in school math. having them rewrite the same thing over and over again but in music you use math all the time. why are we having these kids busy work when we could teach them to play. this was cool. thanks

[@kittenderp3004]

I live in the Midwest USA and where I live we start learning instruments in 3rd grade and band is in middle and high school.

[@topic260]

Lmao forget that in my school we dont have and Orchestra or Band

[@ngkvy]

@@topic260 same here. We aren't even taught how to play an instrument at school, not to mention having an orchestra or band.

[@fangletterman-ng2ro]

​@@topic260 please tell us where your school is located. Is it because of budget shortfalls (especially poor neighborhood), or just a lack of value put on a well rounded education?

[@fangletterman-ng2ro]

​@@ngkvy please tell us where your school is located. No band program, due to exceptionally poor neighborhood, or a lack of understanding the value of a well rounded education?

[@Alexagrigorieff]

One interesting thing about timpani is that their sound is missing the fundamental frequency. For example, at 6:45, the A drum sound contains harmonics of 110, 165, 220, 275 Hz, but the 55 Hz fundamental is missing (it's about 30 dB lower than 110 and 165). The ear recovers the missing fundamental. This is an interesting phenomena of hearing. The second and fourth harmonics (110, 220 Hz) oscillation modes have circular symmetry, but the third and fifth have mirror symmetry, this is why when you hit in the center, third and fifth harmonics are very low, and the pitch appears an octave higher.

[@jslasher1]

Excellent presentation. As a composer I enjoy watching these videos.

[@LoneTreePeak]

I respect your passion for the instrument. I really enjoy it too. It sounds powerful to me. I want one. I guess I want too many instruments. If I bought all the instruments I want I'd be broke for sure. Thanks for the knowledge about the timpani. I learned something today.

[@JiFan]

This is a God-level instructional vid of sorts, by a very knowledgeable human being who knows how to deliver it poetically. I'm floored. Absolutely geeking out to this! 🥰

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks so much! Please do subscribe to our channel to follow all of our work!

[@julietaamezcua4074]

I don't even play any instrument...but I love music... I already watch all the videos with my son ,he plays violín and this is really interesting,really nice videos.

[@elamplough1]

It's never too late to learn an instrument. I used to play the keyboard back in school, which isn't exactly something you'd have in an orchestra but as you get better with these things it was still fun to be able to play longer different songs. Even after giving my keyboard away some years ago there are still a couple of songs I know by heart.

[@trinianblack]

Ditto to Cristena's comment. We also homeschool and the kids are going through "Meet the Orchestra" by Ann Hayes, a fantastic book with great illustrations and eloquent descriptions of the instrument and their various sounds. We have all very much enjoyed these introductory videos by Philharmonia. It's quite wonderful when my children get excited for the idea of an instrument which "honks like a goose with a bad cold" and then have the chance to actually hear an oboe playing. The time you all have invested in creating these videos is helping to musically inspire a new generation of performers and I just can't thank you enough!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Glenn Wainwright Thank you very much for watching and for your nice feedback! We're glad you and your children enjoyed our videos.

[@picolete]

I love how this guy explain, you can tell he has true passion for what he does

[@iliekmems7910]

3:08 when you get a _little_ too excited

[@rinnygirl4234]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣

[@dmitrishostakovich7561]

When you f’ed up

[@joshuatendoornkaat7401]

I love this guy! he's so cool and he seems so passionate about his instrument!

[@craftystampco]

Thank you so much! I homeschool my children and today we are learning about different instruments. Mr. Smith made this video very interesting to my children and made them very excited to learn more about an instrument they had never heard of. Thank you again so much!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Cristena Bagne Thank you for your nice feedback! We're glad you and your children are enjoying our films!

[@KrystalSimone]

I just came here because I just randomly wondered what these drums were called. I enjoy hearing them in orchestras. You learn something new everyday.

[@jerrysinclair3771]

I have always loved hearing a good timpani player and was intrigued by Andy Smith and his instructional video. Thank and a double 👍 👍!

[@evan5243]

Great to see you on KZbin Andy! You've still got it!! Cheers from Evan down in Melbourne.

[@fmlAllthetime]

I'm a metalhead who can play the classic drum set proficiently, guitar, bass and a bit of piano. I also write rhythms for hip hop, and can play some blues on the guitar as well. I say this because as someone from outside looking in, this was amazingly interesting. Thank you for the video :)

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+fmlAllthetime This is great to hear! We're really happy you like the video and that you got something out of it. Do take a look at the rest of our instrument films if you have the time: kzbin.info/aero/PLqR22EoucCyccs5J639SCefaM7mD9dMSz

[@fmlAllthetime]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) I most definitely will. Thank you for the response and the wealth of free information.

[@mariashutter]

Geezus, what a fantastic channel.

[@NLS87]

Loved this guy. Didn't knew about this instrument, surprised it had pedals, lol.

[@steveanderson6180]

I remember being told by one of my first teachers 40+ years ago that "tympani" is plural and that "tympano" is the correct term when referring to a single drum. Wonderful introduction. Now I need to go listen to "March to the Scaffold" again.

[@RobinsonMusic95]

Andrew Smith is brilliant!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

We think so, too!

[@Grinder-one]

I agree, he comes over as very down to earth as well as enthusiastic. This probably sounds odd because they make such a loud sound but, I always see the Timpani as the silent instrument that makes a big impression. By silent, perhaps I mean overlooked yet, a piece would sound very under charged without them.

[@PUBHEAD1]

Respect. I loved playing tympani when studying in college.

[@wbwillie]

we had a girl in my high school band that played Tympani but she couldn't tune the damn thing lol

[@gabrielcampos257]

hahaha very useful

[@wbwillie]

yea, her problem was she was too damn small, one might think anorexic

[@Dann0343]

Probably didn't have a good ear for the notes lmao

[@robertdowler8105]

I knew how.

[@ET2carbon]

Ummmm, it might depend on when that girl was in high school. Imagine you were given some TYMPANI by an orchestral company because they were upgrading due to the drums having a malfunction or that the tuning could stay at pitch (the mechanism is actually wonky depending on the year I think). Add on to of that a teacher or instructor that has zero tympani experience. Add again the lack maybe of KZbin or Internet, then you're stuck and have to do your best with what you have. I'm just saying there could have been more at play than the girl being at fault for a lack of a tuned ear. Or perhaps, as a percussionist she just was never taught pitch importance and how to get there because usually percussion is used for it's strike and timing rather than pitch. I don't know

[@변지민-m7z]

I'm a student who study music composition thank you for this video..! I didn't know that timpani was such a wonderful instrument how coool!!!! anyone knows the music played at the last of this video? I really want to listen full music... It makes me thrilling!!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

변지민 It's the opening of the last movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. Enjoy!

[@변지민-m7z]

wow you answered to me!!! thank you so much!!!!! this also really great, but I what I exactly wanted to know was the music in the advertisement sorry...T.T if you know, could you answer again?

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

변지민 Hi, it's Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, March to the Scaffold.

[@변지민-m7z]

Oh my god!! thank you so much!

[@JobyBurgess]

Great introduction to timpani in the orchestra :)

[@Hexachords]

All these series of videos are amazing ! Congratulations !

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you very much - glad you're enjoying them!

[@rosaphilippe1802]

I want a timpani for Christmas

[@TheHumanCondition]

Amazing, thank you.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Glad you liked it!

[@coolamericano]

I didn't know this sound was coming from an actual real instrument, super cool!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Get involved in our #popupplanets! We want to see you playing your favourite extract of Holst's The Planets and you have a chance to win a pair of tickets to our concert in London on Saturday 1 Oct: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4a8Y2yGZ6iKZ9E

[@MariaContreras-dg4kj]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) hi Í would like to install the app but it seem to be only for iPad or tablet

[@seanlally4182]

I'm in love with timpani.

[@gings4ever]

I kept hearing bits of timpani in orchestra but I never really heard it this clear. I salute you good sir.

[@PinacoladaMatthew]

the most memorable timpani passage for me was the ending of Brahm's 4th symphony 1st movement....

[@claubertmimy7127]

Great video now I know a lot about the timpani and I got a test tomorrow so I know I'm gonna pass it and thank You so much. :-)

[@Aerithix]

The Timpani is fantastic! I really am a tad sad that I can't play this or play in a Symphonic Orchestra as I play baritone saxophone

[@yesiambrooklyn]

the 117 people who disliked this video are tone def. Great video teaching on tampani!

[@985Mindy]

My 12 year old just started playing this and i came here to learn more.

[@Rachelebanham]

Best instrument in the orchestra

[@nikolas5712]

OH YEAH OH YEAH MA FAVOURITE INSTRUMENT OF ALL OH YEAH!!!!!!!

[@joisapino4100]

i love tambol!

[@rylanperegrino]

Yeahh me too

[@slazerlombardi]

The timpani is the cowbell of classical music. Vital.

[@jageiosjgaeiojg]

glad to see Roy Hodgson's been keeping himself busy after the England job

[@benskelly1217]

"I came here for the sounds, I'm pleased....." :D

[@Coolcat607]

+Ben Skelly I came too. ;D

[@rzeka]

Coolcat607 same

[@keithmoon3190]

1:17 When you are caught getting snacks at 3am

[@needleboy17]

I don't believe in 3 AM videos but that's hilarious.

[@soonengchao3010]

Great educator!

[@alfredenisz4775]

The kettle drum was a Janisarry instrument that was brought into the orchestra by the 'Austrians and Hapsburg composers

[@typo1345]

In John Williams' score Raiders of the Lost Ark, cue 1m2 The Cave, or as it was renamed in the final soundtrack, "The Idol Temple", in the second measure Williams writes for the timpani to roll on the rim dents, high A, C, and Low A, descending, in a quarter note Triplet. It's very innovative and eerie-sounding. I would really like if you guys could go into depth on some of these effects, like timpani effect, bowing tam-tams, sul Pont tremolos on cello, harmonic glisses or the seagull effect in violins, cool stuff like that. As a composer myself, I cherish the effects and would love to hear about more that I've never heard of before

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks for the feedback, and for spending time on our channel. We do keep this feedback to inform future filmmaking!

[@flybeep1661]

One music piece I know of that features the timpani very effectively (and excitingly) front and center is the Riders Of Doom section of the piece Riddle of Steel/Riders Of Doom by Basil Poledouris for the 1982 movie Conan The Barbarian. You can listen to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z52uhox3o9aroLc the timpani gets going at the 3min34 mark along with the orchestra with a fortissimo statement born boldly by horns and powerful percussion. The timpani gets a shining solo around 4min20 mark.

[@XeniaStCharlesIrisLlyllyth]

I know this question isn't really relevant to orchestral timpani playing as much as it is to solo timpani playing, but what exactly are timpani harmonics? How are they played, how should they be notated, what is their effect, and what skill level do they require?

[@ZeacorZeppelin]

The Timpani drums in Wagner's Ring cycle is really interesting when it's used to represent death and or sealing one's fate.

[@keremparlakgumus7467]

wow, awesome

[@Mezase]

That's it, I'm ordering 4 timpanis to practice at home. I just hope mum doesn't get mad.

[@MrKedasas]

Kettledrums are soooo cooool !! :)

[@valerielopez7485]

I was falling asleep because it's 3:00 in the morning at the time of this comment's posting, until I heard the name Stravinsky... then I sneezed myself awake. [?!?!]

[@AriannaCunningham]

What's the difference between the Baroque Timpani and Modern Timpani?

[@Hannah-tg8hw]

I always wondered what the timpani was!

[@whitehairedbadass3475]

lml this was wierdly satisfying to watch.

[@neil_1707]

I love the timpani part in Saint Saëns' Danse Bacchanale.

[@philomena_def-not-malcolm]

This is great. I was just worried about your raspy voice. Did you have a cold? Hope you're better now! Thank you very much!

[@ethancunningham6440]

In my band there is this kid who uses the timpani as a tackle to take his trombone out of its case and leaves his case there.

[@zerocooljpn]

nice ending

[@TheComputerNerd20100]

Is it okay if I use this once? Thanks for Uploading! :)

[@marioauditore2859]

The Footsteps of doom song from AOT use this instrument ❤

[@danielagreco9966]

Beutiful!!!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you, Daniela!

[@danielagreco9966]

Of anything

[@biteme4322]

He's so talented

[@parameshparamesh4070]

MANOJ

[@macrobbair]

how do I find out if the timpani part that I have written works, is easy or difficult and so on, it is like an easy double bass part?

[@milk3n858]

Bam Bam Bam Bam Bam BAM!

[@bandplop6162]

Sir, can you play any beatles song on the timpani?

[@sammykillsdudes15]

What are those two notes in the sunrise section for Also Sprach Zarathustra

[@Symphing12]

C and G

[@nabilelbark]

Shrish J. Wrong! F and C

[@Symphing12]

YINKA'S BATTY But the score says C and G? hz.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/c/ce/IMSLP19119-PMLP12187-Strauss_-_Also_sprach_Zarathustra__orch._score_.pdf

[@sewwy21]

Wow, I didnt know Roy Hodgson knew how to play timpani

[@tonymerc1]

Nice

[@thegoodgeneral]

A shame they used his lavalier mic to pick-up the timps-so much distortion. Would be great if they also had room mics and soloed those for the instrument-playing bits of the video.

[@adriandillone4491]

Can you play Bernstein Westside story on the timpani

[@Wequendi]

i'm looking for the percussion sound that you hear in a lot of disney movies, the one that plays when you see stars or fairy dust, i know it's a burd example but i really don't know what instrument is that, or could someone list all the percussion instruments people use in film music so i can try to find it? thanks.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Hello! It sounds like what you're describing might be the mark tree. It's a series of metal bars of decreasing lengths hanging from a frame - when disturbed by running fingers or sticks across the bars, they make the twinkling sound that you've probably heard!

[@Wequendi]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) finally, yeah! that's the one! thanks!

[@maxrimmer1027]

Hey, what are the notes for Beethoven's 5th?

[@ericv.9772]

Silvagunner liked this

[@DeadManProp]

Excuse me for sounding ignorant, but do people actually study Timpani full time? Or is it just one of many instruments that a percussionist would play?

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Hi, Pat! Generally percussionists will learn to play the whole range of orchestral instruments, but then will specialise in Timpani if they so wish. The timpanist in an orchestra wouldn't be expected to play anything other than the timpani.

[@TheChemistryViking]

Are those soft or hard mallets?

[@azharoslan]

can i play protest the hero on that? thanks sir!

[@ryanramjattan8714]

I have a very slight bias but the Timpani is the best instrument in the entire orchestra

[@artman40]

Have there been any famous virtuoso timpani players?

[@abramabesamis23]

Android version for your app please

[@valmail03]

Where did his legs go?

[@bothersomebertie1195]

After the following experience, I *had* to find out what this was. I had to know it by name. Star Trek: Into Darkness. Lava groans, and froths, and spits, threatening the imminent doom it heralds. Spock has activated the device, and has resigned to his fate - but Jim isn't going to leave him to die in no volcano. Nearby, on the cliffs facing out to sea, the natives' chants and prayers for salvation from the earthen spirits are answered; as the Enterprise spools up its engines, crawling out of the sea like an enormous kraken. The natives are struck, and can only stare in open-mouthed religious awe as this great silver beast climbs loudly and majestically into the air, sea water streaming free from its every surface, staring back at them with an enormous, brilliant blue marble. At that moment, the Timpani strikes, and the audience are struck; audibly cast right back to the 60s, a hark back to the golden age of cinema. From that moment on, throughough the rest of the film, every fan is perched on the edge of their seat, and can only stare in open-mouthed religious awe as the movie majestically unfolds. Thank you, Timpani! Thank you!

[@LucaYSUI]

T H U M P I E S

[@BeastTech5000]

1:17 just look at his face!

[@Fetrovsky]

Is "principle" intentional?

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Hi Daniel, no it's not. It's an unfortunate typo that slipped through the net.

[@Fetrovsky]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) Thank you. I was wondering if it had some special meaning I didn't know about.

[@xbqchm]

Too bad he didn't show a long tremolo with a big messa di voce from ppp to fff and back. One of the signature effects on timpani.

[@alankanejr2170]

Like playing Caledonia

[@jeanhasdenteufel3818]

Remind me of Buckbeak's flight...

[@al4nawestern]

YES