Instruments: Percussion

In this film, David Corkhill introduces some of his instruments in the percussion section.
Vibraphone - 00:07
Xylophone - 02:29
Marimba - 03:31
Glockenspiel - 04:53
Bass Drum - 05:54
Tam-Tam - 07:19
Snare Drum - 08:57
Cymbals - 10:49
Triangle - 13:14
Crotales - 14:17
Tambourine - 15:16
For a film on the timpani, please visit: • Instrument: Timpani
To learn more about the percussion section visit www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore...
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.co.uk/
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[@Onionkn1ght]

I love how this guy lays down the mallets with the greatest of care not to make a clank when laying down the handle, guy respects the instruments.

[@CT_7718]

To be expected from instruments well worth $10k upwards

[@tombiby5892]

@@CT_7718 I imagine it's more about not making an errant noise during the performance. I don't know if you could set the mallets down hard enough to actually hurt the instrument.

[@SmileytheSmile]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't hitting an instrument literally made for hitting not hurt it at all? I think he just doesn't want it to make a sound that would play over his voice.

[@SmileytheSmile]

@tinylilmatt I mean, that's a pretty shottily made xylophone if it breaks once you drop your mallets on it slightly harder than this guy did.

[@LUCHTHANS4]

It is more of a respect for his craft, as the most important things to do when playing in a professional orchestra is to be incredibly careful not to make any unplanned sound. I think it is often underappreciated how quiet and disciplined a group of 80 people can be. Making a sound with instruments that are very very easily heard thorugh the music because they cut through so much, is especially bad, hence the care when laying sticks down anywhere and walking away from or towards a set of wind chimes for example. I really love that he is so careful handling the instruments even in a less formal situation.

[@soax9777]

I like the way he treats those instruments... So gentle, so nice...

[@nuberiffic]

You can tell he just takes so much joy in everything he plays :)

[@hazda5791]

10:43

[@Hiroyuki_T]

Of course! It does cost more than 2000$ since its orchestral.

[@chrismav61]

I feel like the percussion section always has the most fun people

[@bradencutright-head6629]

Yeah. My band did a piece that had bass, snare, timpani, low tom, shakers, bongos, congrats, marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, crash and suspended cymbals, finger cymbals and triangle

[@bradencutright-head6629]

+Braden Cutright-Head oh and ago go bells

[@splodinatekabloominate846]

Bassoon?

[@kimeepuff5593]

Tell that to the marching band, tubenshaft.

[@tokaro872]

Chris Mav yeah they usually just create their own band just out of percussion instruments

[@idraote]

This gentleman is so poised, well spoken and informative: much useful information condensed in a no-nonsense talk.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you for your feedback. We're pleased this film was helpful to you.

[@fllama]

Fax

[@jasonqiao2]

"It's a rather simple instrument." Proceeds to explain the triangle.

[@WizKasipa]

this man is awesome

[@ryhanna.]

nicoloco9974 To make noise and add a harmony to the song.

[@lucasfreer7838]

It's not very expressive as an instrument, but it definitely can be used to an effect. A piece may want a soft clean sound like in many lullabys or even a moving drone sound like in Holst's Jupiter. It's not flexible, but that's why percussion has so many instruments.

[@Yelooh]

nicoloco9974 triangle can add a lot to a piece, don't underestimate it.

[@lucasmarques4243]

Here in Brazil the triangle is an important instrument of ''Forró'', ''Xote'', ''Baião'', even in samba too. You need to check, is quite complex!

[@jaymesformosa3140]

The prelude from Bach's cello suite on the marimba made me smile

[@windmillwilly]

AAAAAAAAAAQQQQQQQ2RTFFFFFFFDzdtrtrrrrrr

[@kellangearytv1720]

MARIMBA'ING MAKES ME FEEL GOOD!

[@famoussaturn3237]

I've literally played percussion for 15 years why am I watching this

[@BL-zi9wb]

Because it's relaxing as hell

[@disguisedmrturtle5763]

No way

[@danieldickerson630]

He's not playing the cymboles right

[@kylechad529]

Daniel Dickerson ...theres different ways to play it

[@avstre]

I just stared playing this year

[@marshadow4702]

That bowed vibraphone

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

It's a lovely effect, isn't it?

[@lnaeventos]

I just loved it !!!

[@jic1]

Did they use a bowed vibraphone in the intro to the original Star Trek theme?

[@kevincoyle8438]

It sounds like the word SPACE. :)

[@DyenamicFilms]

I think the bowed vibraphone was used by Jerry Goldsmith for the beginning of the movie Poltergeist.

[@IAmNateDogg]

there is no orchestra without a triangle

[@shiningarmor2838]

Mine has a triangle, but nobody wants to play it!

[@endofyeww20]

no there's no orchestra without the bass or snare drum

[@saboo_tage]

+IAmNateDogg or tambourine. Or wait yes there is, but those are not nearly as good.

[@bishop2985]

IAmNateDogg I didn't know that the triangle was an orchestral interment I thought it was to call the cattle and tell me the corn bread is ready

[@shiningarmor2838]

Castle Black But I'm the timpanist!

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

Nice, only about 46 more standard orchestral percussion instruments to go...

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Yes... we will get there eventually! Thanks for spending time on our channel.

[@hArisudesu]

@@philharmonia_orchestra yes, really wait for another percussion instrument by this sir

[@8kspaceinvader492]

8:41 You've been spotted! 11:48 also

[@kishascape]

Percussionists have to practice 4.2 hours a day. But 100 times on 100 different instruments so 420 hours a day.

[@DEBOASSE]

He touches this instruments so delicate fully. I really appreciate his adorable lesson. I'm garage producer enthusiast and I in my humble opinion for produce quality music is impossible without this kind of understanding.

[@NP-rh3dt]

the bow on the vibrophone was very majestic, and beautiful sounding.

[@johnoestmann]

As a mainly computer-based composer, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to really explain these instruments so we can freely watch and learn all about them. Seeing them in action really helps to deepen the understanding!

[@youdbettertube]

He told us to expect an "extraordinary crescendo," but I was still blown away.

[@samcey2022]

There are such iconic sounds, like the bass drum. Some of the other instruments don't sound very pleasing on their own, so it's always amazing to me that composers, conductors, and musicians can recognise the significance and contribution of it's sound as part of the whole orchestra. Very interesting to have it all broken down like this

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you for your comment and for spending time on the channel!

[@fayediamante]

8:35 he just pulls a triangle stick out of his pocket like he carries it everywhere

[@SupaTVEnt]

Producers getting hella samples from this lol

[@augusto7681]

Yes lol I like the sound of crotales...I think I gonna use it.

[@nuberiffic]

mmmm..... i doubt they are - these are pretty bad recordings

[@CaptainVita]

Oh yes I indeed did. Could make a whole Sample Pack out of it.

[@anthonymiller4703]

amazing sound samps played on speed .25

[@YodasPapa]

@@nuberiffic True, but that bowed vibraphone is a pretty rare sound, I could definitely maybe use that. Recording quality doesn't _always_ matter that much.

[@carolines3381]

I love how he has a triangle stick in his pocket.... I want to do that!! :D

[@gukas.1338]

I love how gentle and elegant he is with each instrument

[@skatastolako]

Ι have seen almost all videos from this series. This specific teacher, is probably the one that gives me the most, the feeling that he knows his instrument(s) in a tremendous depth

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you for watching!

[@elynnzhao7422]

@@the_moist dude chill

[@the_moist]

@@elynnzhao7422op and I basically said the same thing

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

I love being a percussionist :)

[@username55ify]

It sucks to transport but otherwise a great instrument, glad I chose it.

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

+Trevor twoclever I hate transporting too but same I feel at home with percussion

[@ramzey5260]

CHRISTI XX hey im 17 and a drummer for 7 years now and lately ive been thinking of becoming a percussionist. are you a percussionist in an orchestra? if so can you tell if its hard to transision Instruments and is it worth persuing that career?

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

+Fritz Hose Never been in an orchestra. I do marching and concert band tho. I think you will be fine being a percussionist. Stick with drums first and then move on to maybe some keyboards. If you feel that you would like to pursue it, I say go for it.

[@toivorovasalo7933]

I'm actually in the same situation. I'm 18 and I've been playing drums for 6 years now. Have you already started percussion? How does it feel compared to playing a drumset?

[@UncleSilverGaming]

This guy plays every instrument better than I can play my iPod.

[@jic1]

You could probably get a nice sound from an iPod if you hit it with a xylophone beater.

[@sebastianzaczek]

better don't...

[@itsyogirlayz6820]

Wow iPod! Haven’t heard that in AGES!

[@martinthemarine920]

at 9:14 when he said "today perhaps we're more familiar with them as orchestral instruments. or as part of a drum kit" and then made that frown. you can tell he just wants the orchestra percussion to get its recognition

[@TheKroesar]

I love the contrast between the intensity of his playing (watch his face at the end of the snare drum part) and the great care and respect with which he handles the instruments. That is true passion!

[@ryanharris2462]

I must admit I’ve never paid much attention to percussion. I had no idea there was so much going on and so much to be interested in. Superbly presented. Thank you!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Indeed! Thanks for spending time on our channel, and please do subscribe - we have an exciting season of releases lined up.

[@thomasdinan9667]

Thank you for this brilliant demonstration. As a composer who is not that comfortable with percussion, this sort of video is incredibly valuable.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

That's great to hear - thanks for the feedback.

[@Andriale]

Percussionists need to get some more love :)

[@bmann1985]

David Corkhill is a fantastic presenter. I really enjoyed this!

[@freddyfox3009]

This is such a wonderful series and I'm glad I found it. I feel like I can now have a much deeper appreciation of orchestral scores now that I know the sound of each instrument and can pick them out much easier.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Freddy Fox Thank you, we're very glad that these videos are helping your musical appreciation! Keep an eye on our youtube profile and our main video page www.philharmonia.co.uk/explore/films as we're always producing new content.

[@00bean00]

The repertoire of percussion players always manages to surprise me. I was just waiting for him to play the high-hat, or play with a brush!

[@DerHerrMitR]

As soon as I heard Les Fossiles/Danse Macabre, this percussionist won my heart. Also brings back memories of the time when I started out as a six year old, training to be a percussionist, before I discovered grunge as a teen and concentrated on rock drumming from then on. Still have my first pair of concert snare drum sticks!

[@slateflash]

The low register of the vibraphone is one of the most unsettling and almost spooky sounds of any orchestral instrument

[@0ktober]

This man moves, talks and acts so gracefully.

[@emmakirby8979]

I didn't know Bill Murray was an informative and classy British percussionist.

[@TylerDunphy]

Robert Elven haha

[@scottgarvey7011]

Robe

[@seltzerwater1013]

Robert Elven )o

[@shanonmusic3927]

Robert Elven hilarious!

[@KingfisherLtd]

I thought it was Frank Underwood.

[@Leon-Hardt]

Best ever lesson of percusiont i see. Thank for share your knwoledge.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+David Rojas Thanks for watching! We're glad you enjoyed it.

[@Leon-Hardt]

Whiterun Guard I'm learning....thanks!

[@lnaeventos]

He is obviously a non native speaker. Can you write properly in Chinese, or Italian or Polish? :P

[@t.p.ggaming3884]

I love the sound of the tam tam, i use it all the time with my private composition's

[@nuberiffic]

private compositions?

[@nuberiffic]

Ah ok, I've never heard that term before, thanks :)

[@MedeivalWarfare]

That man really loved the tam tam. He touched it so delicately

[@JobyBurgess]

Great and detailed introduction to the percussion instruments of the orchestra, by my fantastic teacher David Corkhill.

[@scottscott232]

I've never used the expression 'wow', as much as I did whilst watching this clip. Absolutely fascinating. The musician David has such a remarkable gift in presenting. I was particularly impressed at 10:03 - 10:13. What amazing skills he has as a professional percussionist.

[@icangicung20]

he explain so well

[@janm2077]

I agree

[@reeepingk]

"This is the bass drum,... sometimes it can be rather mellow" *BOOMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm*

[@marie-yh9ol]

This dude can even make the triangle interesting

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Freddy Ochoa The melody at 3:05 is from the 12th movement (Fossils) of Camille Saint-Saëns' 'Carnival of the Animals'.

[@callum.ewen4]

The music at 3:05 is it not Danse Macabre by Saint Säens?

[@KarlSheen]

+Braden Plyler Saint Saens wrote Danse Macabre 1st but later wrote the Carnivale de Animaux as a musical joke, He used the fragments of Danse macabre which represented bones in fossiles......a composer plagiarizing his own music hehe!

[@derik2nicolai584]

+Callum Ewen Yes it is.

[@34672rr]

What are those bass drum heads? They are absolutely beautiful.

[@KarlSheen]

+wiremessiah it's either natural calf skin or Remo fibreskyn. I'll hazard a guess at calf.

[@colpugno7]

This guy knows very much, I adore him!

[@yosoyleus]

Me too! I want him to be my grandpa... Can we somehow arrange that?

[@music_works]

+vadesdecero yes

[@guscox9651]

@@yosoyleus I have my contacts He probably does too he's quite old but maybe he didn't opt for the glasses in front of the camera

[@start9976]

And yet he can't play a clean buzz roll (Yes I'm joking, though I'm not wrong about the buzz rolls😂)

[@slateflash]

There needs to be a part 2 for percussion!! So many more interesting sounds from this family like castanets, wood block etc. deserve to be mentioned

[@TheGerogero]

The tam tam is scary.

[@shiningarmor2838]

They get really big too

[@TheGerogero]

Shining Armor D:

[@shiningarmor2838]

Largest one I know of is 80" across

[@HuntVeil5]

I tot it was called a gong or smth

[@shiningarmor2838]

Gong refers to one with a knob or boss, and tam tam is one with a flat face

[@bobgreene2892]

I just discovered this series of very well-produced, sophisticated profiles of orchestral instruments, and the series is a massive improvement on Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Of course, I have subscribed to the entire series, and probably will get little sleep as I stay up late tonight, simply to watch and listen. Well done !

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thank you! We hope you managed to get some sleep! We'll be releasing a few new ones over the year, so it's great you have subscribed.

[@Dylonely42]

I love so much the Tam tam in Mahler’ symphonies.

[@irokosalei5133]

That major sixth chord at the vibraphone sounds totally jazzy.

[@ChaconnesAreFun2Play]

It was a minor seventh chord

[@irokosalei5133]

The first he makes at 0:50? It's M6, plus you can see him hitting the fiftth and the sixth next to each other

[@jockcable6123]

IrokoSalei its a m7 in first inversion

[@jockcable6123]

Dm7

[@sebastianzaczek]

@@jockcable6123 Am7 actually, or C6

[@theversatileartist6446]

Wonderful! I enjoyed this quite a bit as I am learning to become an orchestral composer learning the instruments is great! Thanks!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

+Danny Kundzinsh Thank you and good luck!

[@braxtonburke]

I’m majoring in music (percussion) and it is an awesome world to get lost in 🤩 I was the world’s fastest drummer champion in 2015!

[@giancarlo426]

This guy is wonderful. It's so cute how seriously he looks at the camera.

[@btat16]

These videos are great for an IB Music student, such as myself, who wants to learn more about the instruments that they are writing for. I learned much more than I thought possible and these would help with the creation of playable music that can use the instruments to the fullest. Thank you so much for this!

[@idarknight2123]

Im almost seeing frank underwood explaining in a masterclass everything about drums. What an amazing video!

[@WilliamMaytook]

For those interested, Mahler's 6th Symphony "Tragic" (Allegro energico) : 10:37

[@beanlets]

For me as someone who can play and compose on piano, this has inspired me to have glockenspiel and other percussion instruments as accompaniment to piano. Thanks Philharmonic Orchestra!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@marcellotenarta5233]

I myself am a piano plsyer. I have watched all the videos in this series. And before I watched these instruments videos, my knowledge regarding the sounds, techniques, functions, and history of the orchestral instruments are not that much. And after watching all from the strings, woodwinds brass and finally this percussion, I've learned a lot and understand better. So, thank you London Philharmonic Orchestra!

[@puzz88]

Omg I love this, interesting, entertaining, and educational lol. This man’s knowledge and love for the instruments really show through ☺️👌

[@GeneralFeathers]

Needs more cowbell.

[@detentionroompunishment5491]

John Faggard what is the meaning of this phrase

[@puzz88]

Alex Lastra I’m pretty sure it’s from an SNL skit about Blue Oyster Cult recording Don’t Fear the Reaper in a studio and the producer kept wanting more cowbell

[@davidirvine4279]

@@puzz88 Somebody Dickinson I think, maybe Bruce.

[@gabrielletavarez4005]

MORE COWBELL

[@templemu]

Thunder Sheet would have been good to include a very versatile sound source FX, not just for the obvious. the Vienna Symphonic library for percussion - never believe how many ways to play the triangle, and scoring same.

[@fllama]

This guy is well spoken to explain the percussion instruments. What a lad!

[@theredrobin9402]

Hard to imagine that the timpani did not feature here, being one of the most old and iconic in the orchestra

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Hi, we have a whole film on the timpani: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amHOZHR3l6Zqqq8

[@TheUnchainedMind]

The tam tam sounds phenomenal. I was expecting him to mention tubular bells at some point.

[@CletoFrost]

tam tam is awesome.

[@JohnLRice]

Yes! :-) Other playing techniques that are great for tam tams and gongs (Paiste tam tams in particular!) are: to bow the edge like he did with the vibes, to drag a special rubber mallet across the surface (it's like a Superball on a thin flexible stick), to strike the gong and then dip it into a large vat of water while it is still vibrating.

[@andreeadobre3190]

I love these videos because the musicians are always so excited about their insteuments and having so much fun explaining them 💜

[@vgm_composer]

Doing this in a jet black room with that calming English voice makes this video feel like a dream of some sort

[@Jbr2005]

I always thought the tam tam was a gong. Glad i know the difference now.

[@orans_]

Tam tams are tuned, gongs are not

[@ditto303]

Oh my god, this man loves all his instruments! I wish thes series had been around when I chose my instrument. I guess I would have gone for something else, this series is quite helpful and informative.

[@ThePsho]

Percussionist audition - "So, now let's see how well you can count 153 bars of rests".

[@vad3692]

WHY IS THIS SO RELAXING?!

[@Genshi]

Excellent demonstrations and explanations!

[@DiogoMaia2]

As a drummer I love percussion instruments. Very nice video and the app in the end seems great!

[@merxeddie6474]

Thank you for satisfying my curiosity of the classical percussion section so expertly.

[@superdeluxesmell]

What an articulate man, pleasure to listen to. Percussion is a fascinating topic too, so that helps!

[@pyro1324]

I want to start playing percussion again after seeing this video.. I've got to find an orchestra that will take me in XD

[@bubbles7608]

pyro1324 I also want to know what happened to you, please respond

[@gorkaaustin5306]

Pyro please respond

[@austinjobst4154]

yo pyro uh it's been 4 years dude come on that XD better have meant something

[@rendrennan2294]

Dude

[@jasonbrody6706]

My man it’s been 5 years :(

[@karolinad6063]

This really helped me with my music homework.Thank you !💕

[@matthewrowell9963]

I have a weird love for this video. When I need comfort, I turn to this guy

[@ihave4105]

I have a 2.5 octave glockenspiel (written F3-C6) but I want a three-octave one with resonators like Corkhill is using in this video!

[@JDeffenb]

15:58 lol

[@krautgazer]

I love how he makes a percussion sound even by licking his fingers.

[@34672rr]

you think he got enough of it?

[@sebastianzaczek]

Josh Deffenbaugh loop it please

[@kidstablet7982]

Yes

[@DaneBryantFrazier]

All of these videos are awesome! Look forward to more.

[@galaxylucia1898]

I ❤️ this series!!! Never too old to learn about music!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Glad you enjoy it Lucia!

[@paulgering7703]

“This is a 4 octave xylophone, the most common” Me, an American:

[@FlyingVMartin]

8:40 Now I can die with my eyes close to know what is this sound in Disney's Mulan.

[@cangeletti]

I wish to thank the Philarmonia Orchestra of London for this video, I needed exactly this kind of info.

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

You are most welcome! We're glad it was useful. Please subscribe to our channel to keep up with all of our releases.

[@hnj4240]

The best video of introducing percussion instruments ever. Thanks for sharing!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

You're welcome! Thank you very much, we're glad you enjoyed it!

[@cornboy7424]

I got scared when my homie whipped out the bow

[@masterpage69420]

Lol I love how dramatic he is

[@zee_120]

This video changed my life and career forever

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Wow! Can you tell us how?

[@PP-bw8ig]

Wonderful, clear & concise. Man knows his onions.

[@Rhythmmical]

10:36 Opening to Mahler's 6th symphony.

[@xiaotian4177036]

Absolutely gorgeous! I am an amateur percussionist and play with the orchestra, I always wish people can have more appreciation on percussion! Though also I think triangle is not always like have to wait for such a long time. We are playing Bacchanale at our concert soon, and I'm doing triangle in there. In fact turned out triangle is one of the most important parts for Bacchanale and it is in fact pretty hard! :)

[@glenngouldschair390]

I hate that people say “percussion is SO easy! You just play rhythms” event though I’m not a percussionist. Also, someone told me not to mess with percussionists, because they hit things for fun, right?

[@justamoth..]

@@glenngouldschair390 haha not only do we hit things for fun we often have a bag full of different sticks and mallets made specifically for hitting things with us

[@LucasPiusz]

I think the first one is the best instrument. It has a very melodical and soft sound to it

[@amayotato]

One day during after school orchestra rehearsals I snuck into the band room and played their percussion. That was probably the best day this year. Of all the instruments, the marimba was my favorite, seeing as I'm a native piano player.

[@floriantennapel6908]

I didn't know Robin Williams played percussion!

[@trapOffedL2]

15:27 6:15 7:42 11:17 12:40 13:31 14:44 4:09 4:26 3:06

[@jeansimon326]

Thank you so much...I have badly needed instruction on the variety of percussion instruments. You filled that need wonderfully. Thanks again.

[@asev1969]

Thank you, David.

[@TillTheLightTakesUs]

What a suave guy.

[@gdomantic]

finally I know the difference! thank you so much!!!! :)))

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

George Sevnv We're glad you enjoyed the video!

[@chefrory6271]

Crotales are fun lol. In my marching band show this year, i had a solo in which i bowed crotales in the ballad. the ballad was moonlight sonata so many can recognize it

[@romulo-mello]

This is such an instructive video for composers! Perfect!

[@philharmonia_orchestra]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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

[@beefsquatch2730]

Philharmonia Orchestra (London, UK) p