kettledrum

views updated Jun 11 2018

ket·tle·drum / ˈketlˌdrəm/ • n. a large drum shaped like a bowl, with a membrane adjustable for tension (and so pitch) stretched across. Also collectively called timpani.DERIVATIVES: ket·tle·drum·mer n.

kettledrum

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

timpani

views updated Jun 08 2018

tim·pa·ni / ˈtimpənē/ (also tym·pa·ni) • pl. n. kettledrums, esp. when played by one musician in an orchestra.DERIVATIVES: tim·pa·nist / -nist/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

timpani

views updated May 17 2018

timpani (kettledrums) Main percussion instruments in a symphony orchestra. They are hemispherical vessels of copper or brass with single skins, tuned by pedals or screws, and struck with sticks with hard felt heads. Military kettledrums, played on horseback, were introduced to Europe by the Crusaders c.1100.

World Encyclopedia

timpani

views updated May 29 2018

timpani (It.). See drum.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

kettledrum

views updated May 14 2018

kettledrum. See drum.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

kettledrum

views updated May 17 2018

kettledrum See timpani

World Encyclopedia

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Kettledrums

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