Among the array of percussion instruments at the back of the orchestra the one constant is the timpani, or ‘kettle drums’ - so called because of their copper bowl shape. Across the top of the drum is stretched a skin, which is usually plastic but can be made of calf skin or goat skin. The drum is hit with sticks, the heads of which are different materials and softness which the player chooses to produce different qualities of sound.

There are usually two or more timpani present at any one time depending on the needs of the music, gradually reducing in size to produce higher notes – four or five drums is about average, but up to 16 has been known! Timpanists can produce different notes from the drum by use of tuning foot pedals which alter the tightness of the skin, and very modern “timps” also have micro-tuning levers and switches for ultimate control.

The timpanist in the orchestra, although a trained percussionist, specialises in timpani playing and very rarely plays any of the other percussion instruments. Or as the conductor Norman del Mar once put it, “king of his own province”!

• Timpani have been part of the orchestra since the late 1600s, but versions have been around since the 13th century • Each drum has a range of 5 notes • The singular of timpani is timpano, although no one uses that these days! • Timpani enjoy a good sideline in rock music, especially during the 1960s and 1970s Prog Rock era