Randall Rudolph studied percussion performance at Temple University with Glenn Steele and at the New School of Music from which he graduated after studies with Anthony Orlando and James Earl Barnes. He has been teaching and performing professionally in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area for the past twenty-five years, appearing with groups such as the Philadelphia Classical Symphony, Delaware Valley Philharmonic, Jubilate Deo Chorale and Orchestra, Voces Novae et Antiquae, Vox Ama Deus and many others.

Q: What is the major difference between a baroque timpani and its modern relatives?

A: The main differences between baroque timpani and modern instruments are size, head material and the sticks used to play the drums.

Timpani used in the late 17th - early 18th century were often borrowed directly from military cavalry units. These drums were designed to be slung over the backs of horses (one on each side) and played by the rider. They were much smaller, usually around 18 to 24 inches in diameter (29 and 26 inches for a pair of modern timpani). Of course, they had no pedal mechanism (which came in late 1800s and is used for rapid pitch change). In other words, the original timpani looked like a simple copper bowl with a head stretched across it, weighing about 30-35 pounds. Depending on the manufacturer and model, each modern drum can weigh anywhere from 75 to 150 pounds.

As for material, modern drums usually (but not always) have plastic heads. These are much easier to use than the calfskin heads used on baroque timpani, as they are unaffected by temperature and humidity conditions. (continued on page 2...)