The kettledrum can be tuned by adjusting the movable ring, turning the six or eight wing nuts by hand, but it can also be tuned by using the follows: The timpani with the pedal mechanism is the most common type of kettledrum to be found in the modern symphony orchestra. The classic timpani, from which no more than three or four notes are required, is also used quite frequently nowadays for authentic performances. A distinction is made between the large timpani with a diameter of around 28 inches and the small or piccolo timpani with a diameter of 251 to 254 inches. In addition, there are the bass timpani or large D timpani, with a diameter of 32 inches, and tall timpani with a diameter of 22 inches. The timpani is struck with a range of drumsticks, such as the typical 12-inch kettledrum sticks made of ash whose heads are made of cork or cloth. The timpani is usually struck at a point one quarter of the diameter from the rim. If the striking point is closer to the center, the tone becomes less resonant. The forerunner of the modern Western timpani comes from Arabia. The nagara is a small kettledrum that is always played in pairs. The body is ordinarily made of clay or wood and the drumhead is stretched taut with a lacework of cords. By twisting a stick in the lacework, the tension of the drumhead can be raised, thus changing the pitch. This percussion instrument is also widely used in India. |