timpani

timpani Definition

tim·pani (tim′pə nē)

-·no′-nō′

kettledrums; esp., a set of kettledrums of different pitches played by one performer in an orchestra

Etymology: It, pl. of timpano < L tympanum: see tympan

timpani Related Forms

tim′·pa·nist noun

timpani Usage Examples

Converse of object

play: And working with the great conductors - I got to play timpani in Mahler's Ninth Symphony with Claudio Abbado.
trumpet: Each cantata has its own orchestration, and mood, but all reflect joyful celebration - bells, trumpets, timpani and joyful choruses.
include: Our percussion, including pedal timpani, tam-tam, tubular bells, xylophone, glockenspiel and vibraphone, are available for use.

Converse of subject

dominate: At the very back of the stage come the percussion, dominated by the timpani ( kettle drums ).

Modifies a noun

roll: Following an atmospheric timpani roll, cellos, basses and bassoons play a sustained thematic line in the depths of the orchestra.
thwack: The Scherzo is rhythmically alive, the rhythms punctuated by timpani thwacks; shadows hang over the Lento.
work: Maybe if i ended up doing a lot of timpani work, i doubt that'll happen tho.

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