kettledrum

a percussion instrument of definite pitch, consisting of a hollow bowl-like hemisphere covered with a skin or membrane, supported on a tripod or stand. The pitch may be adjusted by means of screws or pedals, which alter the tension of the skin

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Kettledrum

a percussion musical instrument of ancient origin; used in orchestras since the 17th century. The cauldron-shaped body of the kettledrum (made of copper, brass, or aluminum) is covered by a leather membrane. The pitch of the instrument is regulated by the degree of tension of the membrane (with screws) or by a pedal mechanism. There is a resonator opening in the center of the bottom of the body. The sound of the kettledrum, resonant and booming, is produced by two drumsticks. Two to five (or more) kettledrums tuned to different pitches are used in present-day orchestras.

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References in periodicals archive

Enthusiasm from the podium becomes infectious." Timpanist Perry agrees: "If there's an exceptional conductor up there, we can play above and beyond our par.

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A professional timpanist pointed us to a 20th-century piece and we ordered a CD recording from a traditional "record store." The piece turned out to be too difficult, but the CD included a wonderful little timpani concerto (requiring eight drams) from the 1780s, allegedly written by Johann Wilhelm Hertel.

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Timpanist Herbert praises Tilson Thomas for his "let's go for it" attitude.

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Kazutaka Morita, the co- principal timpanist with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, will present a free master class for University of Oregon percussion students and for the general public.

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Highlights included super woodwind playing (especially oboes and flutes), and sterling work from the busy timpanist. The brass section had moments of glory, hallmarked by pristine ensemble and a stunning sound.

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In addition to his RWCMD teaching, Welsh National Opera timpanist, Patrick King, leads workshops and creates opportunities in the community which enable college students and local children to collaborate and explore percussion at every level.

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The Phil's principal timpanist Neil Hitt, principal percussionist Graham Johns and fellow percussionists Henry Baldwin and Adrian Spillet are soloists, as they were when the work was given its world premiere at the Philharmonic Hall in May and in Dublin's National Concert Hall last week.

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Timpanist Matthew Festa, 16, from Auburn, said, "Playing in the youth orchestra is a really great experience.

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