TRUMPETS

SIDE DRUM

FRENCH HORNS

TROMBONES

BASSOONS

CLARINETS

BASS DRUM

TUBA

OBOES

CONTRABASSOON

BASS CLARINET

PICCOLO

FLUTES

SECOND VIOLINS

VIOLAS

ENGLISH HORN

PIANO

HARP

FIRST VIOLINS

CELLOS

BASSES

• Most frequently used member of the percussion family

• Orchestral music typically requires four timpani , but sometimes five or more are used .

• Until around 1800 , traditionally paired with trumpets to accompany royal processions .

• Use a variety of sticks made from wood , bamboo , or carbon fiber and are covered with heads of different sizes and materials .

Tuning Bolt

Kettle

Tuning Pedal

Mallets

Skin

Suspension Ring

Caster

HISTORY OF THE TIMPANI

Early history : Ancestors of the modern timpani date as far back as the ancient Mesopotamians . Kettledrums were also present in numerous African and East Asian cultures .

Development : The arrival of the timpani in Europe is owed to influences from the Middle East via the crusades of the 13th century . They were primarily used for military and royal processions , but increasingly appeared in both sacred and secular music .

The modern timpani : During the 18th century , the timpani developed alongside the modern orchestra . It became a favorite of Joseph Haydn who used it in his compositions . Pedals used to alter the pitch appeared during the 19th century .