Mr. T. you are of the main reasons I go to hear the LSO concerts in the Barbican. Your playing is spell-binding, and I cannot take my eyes off you when you play. How crazy for a seriously old person such as me not to have realized it is the timpani that sets the rhythm for the orchestra to follow... of course you do! The subtlety of your playing from deftness to powerful expression is truly brilliant. You were made to take a single bow recently at the end of the concert, and the audience went crazy for you. Just as it should be. Bravo.
I used to feel the same way. Nearly 40 years ago I was originally taught to play standing. When playing using a French grip style, standing is not at all awkward. For Beethoven or similar parts that don't require rapid tuning, standing is fine and has some long tradition to back it up. For a modern player, playing modern parts, this is no longer practical. After all, early tympani did not have pedals, so keeping both feet available was not a consideration. Modern music requires of sitting.
i have to agree with this. I have played timpani on a grade 6 piece. It was Parkour by Samuel Hazo. It is very hard when you are playing 16th notes and have a random 16th rest every few beats. My biggest problem is grip and rolls because you cant bounce the mallets.
I don't play either and I'm watching this, lol. I've actually watched about all of this stuff with these different instruments, because they are all awesome and done by a great orchestra.
That's because you are not hearing them with the orchestra. Renaissance heads have this very stringy metallic overtone that sounds kinda harsh when alone, but blends in and cuts at the same time with other instruments. I use them for many different drums, and they are the best I have ever heard. Calf theoretically sounds best but only when in tune, and that's rarely. It's almost impossible to clear calf heads for any period of time.
In my experience the Timpani is much more about the details and precision. Not the most technically demanding instrument in the orchestra but it can really make or break some sections. A talented and experienced Timapnisit will benefit those around them is what I've always found!
The difficult part about the Timpani isn't playing it, but is tuning. When there's a key change in the piece, you're going to have to tune them inconspicuously! Most of the time, you will only get one shot to perfectly tune the timpani. If you're tuning is off, every one will hear it and it won't sound pleasant! It's not easy to memorize the pitch and intervals!
Because it's interesting to find out about other instruments, especially if you're considering orchestrating or composing. Besides as a trombonist you should know how the rest of the players in an orchestra play so you can play with them better.
I really don't know the timpani technics, but I know a little bit about drums. As a beginner drummer, I don't find those examples really hard, but I know I'm wrong, he knows what he is talking about. But why is it so hard ?
Because with drums, you don't really sight read much. Timpani are percussion, but they're tuned percussion. So, it's kind of like playing a bass as a percussion. And, the rest of the orchestra depends on the percussionist to keep time, all while considering that it is a classical instrument and classical music tends to be heavily emotive. Imagine playing something written in counterpoint and if you strike the wrong drum, the whole chord gets screwed up. 😂 It is that deep.
HI, I want to find a big drum that will make a low end booming rumble for a percussion in my Church (very contemporary)... not the drummer. Is a tipani my best choice or should I use a surdo or something. If i tune this down low will it work? Thanks anyone who can help,it is very appreciated.... I love your work!
any chances you can post a video about pedaling(pedal gliss) and maybe double pedaling. i am unfortunate to only be able to play on three timpani (highest pitch timpani was stolen) at my school so i have to compensate by pedaling but i dont think i have the right technique. also the pedal doesnt stick, so i have to keep my foot on the pedals to keep them from tightening. someone mentioned sitting on stools for timpani. i only sit down when i double pedal but most ly when i play i stand
yeah I feel bad now. I didn't notice that it was supposed to be a lesson. I just wanted to hear some epic Timpani music that reminds me or War Music. It's really hard to find and I got a little frustrated. I wanted (what I consider) war music, but every video I click on is either civil war marching band junk or heavy metal crap. If you have any suggestions, please share.
It's kinda ignorant to say it's easy or difficult, really... I mean, it all depends how you use it. Sure if you're in an orchestra, it could be quite difficult. I wouldn't know, I've never been in that situation; however, if you're using it on your own and adding it to a song you've written etc. then it can also be quite easy. It depends completely on the written material and the situation you're playing in. Same goes for just about any other instrument too. (except for the french horn maybe)
I don't know, but consider this - a percussion player is to learn and know a great variety of percussion instruments, and they are most importantly, must be extremely reliable. If you make a mistake (e.g. too loud, slightly too fast, hitting with the wrong way/technique), everyone knows and you will have no where to hide, unlike a single violinist's mistake and 10+ other violinists covering your mistake. So, knowledge of instruments + skills + rare specialist = high pay? Probably. So,
Get a teacher? This stuff won’t make any sense to you for a while yet, being a beginner. That’s the best advice I can give. A teacher, lots of practice and then, later comes the repertoire.
Don't feel bad - Nigel has one of the fastest rolls on timps I have ever seen. I'd like to ask him if there is a way to speed up your rolls . Mine are ok on the 32 and 29 but are too slow on the 23 and 21. Watch his hands - he must be doing 10/second with each hand compared to my 6 or 7/sec - jealous !!
@@bonniebowduns431 -How fast the roll should be depends on the size drum you are playing on. Do you have a teacher? Contact the professional orchestra in your area and see if you can study with their timpanist. Then, you can get your questions answered. It’s too hard to explain in words how to properly play rolls. The power doesn’t come from just the hands. It’s a combination of movement. It’s hard to explain without showing what I mean.
purchase a timpani drum key and ask your band director to teach you how to clear a timpani head. assuming your high school's timpani sound like crap, nobody is going to fix it but you.
That's right, stand up to play! Have your sticks at an awkward angle, only have one foot free to use the pedals, look ridiculous. Or sit down and be comfortable, stable and play properly. Up to you really...
Neilanderthal I’m a professional principal timpanist for our country’s Symphony orchestra & in my 43 years of playing timpani I have NEVER played sitting down. It looks awkward & i never had a problem with pedals. Just looks & feels uneasy. I’m quite staggered of the simplicity of this guys mallet work. Sort of all over the shop this guy.
@@helpstopanimalabuse8153 - We timpanists often play melodies with our feet, and lots of the rep has rapid pitch changes between several different drums that require sitting. There is no way in heck that you could play any part with rapid pitch changes one after another with your feet while standing up. I’d like to see you try that. Oh, and why are you commenting on his mallet work. It’s fine. His grip is French, and it seems that it is a modified version of French grip with something else mixed in, probably German and maybe Goodman school too. He probably studied with different timpanists with different schools of technique. When you study with more than one school, you tend to develop your own style and sound. Plus, you can choose to use one style over another or combine them for the best sound depending on the piece, when you have studied with more than one teacher of different schools. His sound(I’m not talking about tuning.) is fine and his mallet work isn’t simplistic in nature. It’s kind of arrogant to troll like that, calling a seasoned professional’s mallet work, who plays for an internationally renowned orchestra, simplistic. Frankly, I’m quite staggered by your comment.
It is proper to stand and play to develop good technique. Sitting comes later, and is useful when playing rapid pitch changes between drums because it’s next to impossible to play most melodies standing. Being comfortable is a secondary thing. Playing with good form and technique is the primary concern. I take it you were in HS when you wrote this. It does sound like a kid who hasn’t yet trained at a higher level yet. That would explain your comment.
Very important: Don't rush, keep it steady, again don't rush, ah and also: DON'T RUSH!
I think you forgot to mention..."don't rush!"
I am learning about the musical instruments used in the orchestra. Thank you very much!
Mr. T. you are of the main reasons I go to hear the LSO concerts in the Barbican. Your playing is spell-binding, and I cannot take my eyes off you when you play. How crazy for a seriously old person such as me not to have realized it is the timpani that sets the rhythm for the orchestra to follow... of course you do! The subtlety of your playing from deftness to powerful expression is truly brilliant. You were made to take a single bow recently at the end of the concert, and the audience went crazy for you. Just as it should be. Bravo.
I love this instrument on so many levels. 😍
I played Timpani in 8th grade. I love the way they sound and how you can put them in a key with your foot! I wanted to go all "John Bonham" on them.
"You'll look like a chump"
A man of true technique
I used to feel the same way. Nearly 40 years ago I was originally taught to play standing. When playing using a French grip style, standing is not at all awkward. For Beethoven or similar parts that don't require rapid tuning, standing is fine and has some long tradition to back it up. For a modern player, playing modern parts, this is no longer practical. After all, early tympani did not have pedals, so keeping both feet available was not a consideration. Modern music requires of sitting.
Ling Ling 40 years
Thank you for your wonderful presentation and tips!
i have to agree with this. I have played timpani on a grade 6 piece. It was Parkour by Samuel Hazo. It is very hard when you are playing 16th notes and have a random 16th rest every few beats. My biggest problem is grip and rolls because you cant bounce the mallets.
His shirt is awesome :p
Thank you. My children really liked it.
I don't play either and I'm watching this, lol. I've actually watched about all of this stuff with these different instruments, because they are all awesome and done by a great orchestra.
The enigma piece sounded so cool.
yeah, great band, great album and that beautiful song to wrap it up, i fucking love groundation and those irregular measures
The overtones on his D for Beethoven 9 are killing my soul.
That's because you are not hearing them with the orchestra. Renaissance heads have this very stringy metallic overtone that sounds kinda harsh when alone, but blends in and cuts at the same time with other instruments. I use them for many different drums, and they are the best I have ever heard. Calf theoretically sounds best but only when in tune, and that's rarely. It's almost impossible to clear calf heads for any period of time.
hearing the timpany my safari creashed unexpectedly
In my experience the Timpani is much more about the details and precision. Not the most technically demanding instrument in the orchestra but it can really make or break some sections. A talented and experienced Timapnisit will benefit those around them is what I've always found!
I love how the renaissance heads sound like a metal string. I have a few drums with them and they all have that mettalic boing to them.
Thomas: "I know it sounds pretty messy without the orchestra, but..."
Mere mortals everywhere: ._.;
@UpcomingJedi You're kidding of course. Timps are quite challenging to play well
"Looks easy!"
~tries to play~
"The fuck is this black magic?!?"
I'm not even a classical musician, and yet I'm inspired.
The difficult part about the Timpani isn't playing it, but is tuning. When there's a key change in the piece, you're going to have to tune them inconspicuously! Most of the time, you will only get one shot to perfectly tune the timpani. If you're tuning is off, every one will hear it and it won't sound pleasant! It's not easy to memorize the pitch and intervals!
4thwatcher777 na
Excellent technique!
Because it's interesting to find out about other instruments, especially if you're considering orchestrating or composing. Besides as a trombonist you should know how the rest of the players in an orchestra play so you can play with them better.
I really don't know the timpani technics, but I know a little bit about drums. As a beginner drummer, I don't find those examples really hard, but I know I'm wrong, he knows what he is talking about.
But why is it so hard ?
Because with drums, you don't really sight read much. Timpani are percussion, but they're tuned percussion. So, it's kind of like playing a bass as a percussion. And, the rest of the orchestra depends on the percussionist to keep time, all while considering that it is a classical instrument and classical music tends to be heavily emotive. Imagine playing something written in counterpoint and if you strike the wrong drum, the whole chord gets screwed up. 😂 It is that deep.
Super. Such clarity and accuracy. Only minute quibble: Piu Allegro is subtitled as Pure Allegro (3 times!) :)
It was great, very instructive, thank you.
How can he get that roll speed? Does he use fingers? That's strange!
Why is it strange?
I’m not a fan of his roll speed.
it's like chess, a minute to learn, a life time to master. Hochrainer etudes would destroy you
I personally find it easier to tune drums during pieces when im sat down and playing, it doesn't affect musicality
@teddyguy83 So the emotion goal of the timpanist isn't to create emotion himself, but to transmit it in union with the other instruments am I right ?
If I had a set of timpani, I'd just spend all day playing Also Sprach Zarathustra. :)
Same.
Increíble masterclass
@kryptonx13 Same here except for my school I'm currently play Timpani for our indoor Percussion program as well as Marching band, Good Luck!
Man so crispy
@uhoh38125 Use a concert bass drum. Timpani in the low end just sound wobbly.
After Reading all the comments here...¿Percussion section still Underrated? Time to grow up people.
useful to know if you are interested in performing or teaching ( another trombone player here )
Isn't amazing what a masterful player can do with two or three tones ?
What should be the difference between the first beat of bars 544 and 545?
i heard timpani and oboe are usually the highest paid positions.
is this true?
HI, I want to find a big drum that will make a low end booming rumble for a percussion in my Church (very contemporary)... not the drummer. Is a tipani my best choice or should I use a surdo or something. If i tune this down low will it work? Thanks anyone who can help,it is very appreciated.... I love your work!
Wonderfulll!!!
any chances you can post a video about pedaling(pedal gliss) and maybe double pedaling.
i am unfortunate to only be able to play on three timpani (highest pitch timpani was stolen) at my school so i have to compensate by pedaling but i dont think i have the right technique. also the pedal doesnt stick, so i have to keep my foot on the pedals to keep them from tightening.
someone mentioned sitting on stools for timpani. i only sit down when i double pedal but most ly when i play i stand
Viene voglia di suonare i timpani...
@soullessSiIence Why would you be sad? Timp kicks ass!
it gets harder once you in high school
Yes I do, and look at all the professional players. Do they stand up?
Classical Drum Solo!!!
good job
He makes it look easy*
I can assure you, it's not
I wouldn’t know. My home is not big enough for these things. Plus, I tend to rush things.....so
Viewed this video as research for a scene in Book 3 of my paranormal erotic romance series. Now I think I've fallen for Nigel.
@Toshfunk but this is not drumset now is it?
nice tuning bro
u jus hit dah drum laaa
you need a lot of hand control to handle timpani drums
yeah I feel bad now. I didn't notice that it was supposed to be a lesson. I just wanted to hear some epic Timpani music that reminds me or War Music. It's really hard to find and I got a little frustrated. I wanted (what I consider) war music, but every video I click on is either civil war marching band junk or heavy metal crap. If you have any suggestions, please share.
awsome'
It's kinda ignorant to say it's easy or difficult, really... I mean, it all depends how you use it. Sure if you're in an orchestra, it could be quite difficult. I wouldn't know, I've never been in that situation; however, if you're using it on your own and adding it to a song you've written etc. then it can also be quite easy. It depends completely on the written material and the situation you're playing in. Same goes for just about any other instrument too. (except for the french horn maybe)
@Toshfunk Actually Nigel is a brilliant drum kit player too, some people maybe just play different to you? Crazy idea, I know...
@aaronrocs Warcraft 3 soundtrack music for a little tribal/racial twist?
I don't know, but consider this - a percussion player is to learn and know a great variety of percussion instruments, and they are most importantly, must be extremely reliable. If you make a mistake (e.g. too loud, slightly too fast, hitting with the wrong way/technique), everyone knows and you will have no where to hide, unlike a single violinist's mistake and 10+ other violinists covering your mistake.
So, knowledge of instruments + skills + rare specialist = high pay? Probably.
So,
ok but what kind of sound is this?
pardon me, is the D a lil bit on the flat side?
This is my goal.
I'm just a beginning percussionist, can anyone add anything helpful onto what he said?
Get a teacher? This stuff won’t make any sense to you for a while yet, being a beginner. That’s the best advice I can give. A teacher, lots of practice and then, later comes the repertoire.
"Don't rush."
Release the khrp
Allegro non Trompo? Way to go, subtitles.
For everyone who says Timpani is an easy instrument, try and then speak.
Excellent old boy you'll be there in a jiffy.
what timpani is it, please.?
lol i like his shirt
Are you a percussionist ?
I'm doing Beethoven 9 for ensemble auditions and I thought I had a good grasp, but my rolls are just absolute garbage in comparison.
Don't feel bad - Nigel has one of the fastest rolls on timps I have ever seen. I'd like to ask him if there is a way to speed up your rolls . Mine are ok on the 32 and 29 but are too slow on the 23 and 21. Watch his hands - he must be doing 10/second with each hand compared to my 6 or 7/sec - jealous !!
@@bonniebowduns431 -How fast the roll should be depends on the size drum you are playing on. Do you have a teacher? Contact the professional orchestra in your area and see if you can study with their timpanist. Then, you can get your questions answered. It’s too hard to explain in words how to properly play rolls. The power doesn’t come from just the hands. It’s a combination of movement. It’s hard to explain without showing what I mean.
anybody else notice his muffling technique? it was pretty sad, every single time he muffled the timpani made a very noticeable vibrating sound
Sounds like a Trong Drum
But... what makes it really hard?
He's totally playing into the drum & the sound is just breaking up. Hmmm.....
hitting the timpani is easy, BUT, tuning it and memorize the pitches and where you must hit id very difficult, so it's a diffucult instrument
Looks easy
its really hard just telling you its not easy
Leather sticks for this part of Beethoven 9th????Are you crazy???
aww he looks sad
What kind of timpani are those?
Aenhelt Timpani made by Lefima
I had the first excerpt for a symphony audition and I'm in 8th grade -_-
So how's college?
purchase a timpani drum key and ask your band director to teach you how to clear a timpani head. assuming your high school's timpani sound like crap, nobody is going to fix it but you.
@Maybe listen to what he says, you might learn something...
french grip all the way huh?
I play the trombone...why the hell am i watching this...(very nice by the way)
Mood 😂😂 But it's sooo good!
i suppose you sit down while playing. :P
I was trolling ;p
@milillom Who cares what you think anyways?
But i have dear sir, but i have...People now sit, even when they dont have to. To each his own, i'm sorry if i have offended you.
fabulous player, does look like mr myagi from karate kid though!
I hate when the other percussionists in my band play Timpani. They can't do it right.
That's right, stand up to play! Have your sticks at an awkward angle, only have one foot free to use the pedals, look ridiculous. Or sit down and be comfortable, stable and play properly. Up to you really...
Neilanderthal I’m a professional principal timpanist for our country’s Symphony orchestra & in my 43 years of playing timpani I have NEVER played sitting down. It looks awkward & i never had a problem with pedals. Just looks & feels uneasy. I’m quite staggered of the simplicity of this guys mallet work. Sort of all over the shop this guy.
Stuart Grandquist Just because it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it doesn't work for other people. It works for me because I'm tall
@@helpstopanimalabuse8153 - We timpanists often play melodies with our feet, and lots of the rep has rapid pitch changes between several different drums that require sitting. There is no way in heck that you could play any part with rapid pitch changes one after another with your feet while standing up. I’d like to see you try that.
Oh, and why are you commenting on his mallet work. It’s fine. His grip is French, and it seems that it is a modified version of French grip with something else mixed in, probably German and maybe Goodman school too. He probably studied with different timpanists with different schools of technique. When you study with more than one school, you tend to develop your own style and sound. Plus, you can choose to use one style over another or combine them for the best sound depending on the piece, when you have studied with more than one teacher of different schools. His sound(I’m not talking about tuning.) is fine and his mallet work isn’t simplistic in nature. It’s kind of arrogant to troll like that, calling a seasoned professional’s mallet work, who plays for an internationally renowned orchestra, simplistic. Frankly, I’m quite staggered by your comment.
It is proper to stand and play to develop good technique. Sitting comes later, and is useful when playing rapid pitch changes between drums because it’s next to impossible to play most melodies standing. Being comfortable is a secondary thing. Playing with good form and technique is the primary concern. I take it you were in HS when you wrote this. It does sound like a kid who hasn’t yet trained at a higher level yet. That would explain your comment.
Good luck if you have no ear.