Main Instrument in Orchestra - Percussion

Hello! This is the last article about music instrument in orchestra - percussion.
Percussion are divided to two groups.

1. Definite pitch

1.1 Timpani or Kettledrums (call from its kettle-liked shape)

The most important percussion instrument. They are played by drum sticks. Often played in pair or more. (So they are called in plural Timpani instead of single Timpano) Timpani can be tuned to each key (C, D, E, etc.), so there is a score for timpani. They are used to be tuned by screws, which are around their face. Drummer had to tuned by their hand or taps. Nowadays timpani are tuned by a pedal that acts on a central screw. allowing drummer to change tonality while continuing to play with both hands. Kettledrums were developed during 14th and 15th century in Germany for military using.
This instrument mostly appears in orchestra.

1.2 Xylophone

        

It is made of woods. It came to Europe in 1860. First use in Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre. There are many versions of this instrument, depending to each nation. Example, Japanese version is mokkin. Thai version are ranad-ek and ranad-tum.

1.3 Glockenspiel

A little metal xylophone. There's a portable glockenspiel called bell-lyra.

1.4 Vibraphone

Similar to xylophone but metal-made and motor-driven valves installed in each bar with tubes called resonators.

1.5 Marimba

Lower-pitched xylophone. It has motor-driven valves installed in each bar with tubes called resonators. You have to play with four mallets. (But this picture above is an exception.)

Xylophone, vibraphone and marimba are also played in jazz music.

1.6 Tubular bell or Chimes

Very big brass percussion. You have to play it with small mallets. Originated in South-east Asia.

1.7 Celesta

Its shape is similar to upright piano. Sound similar to glockenspiel.

2. Undefinite pitch

2.1 Bass drum

2.2 Side drum or  Snare drum

These drums mentioned above are used in military band many times and also equipped in drum set.

2.3 Triangle - called by its shape.

2.4 Cymbals- very interesting brass percussion. Also equipped in drum set. They were known in ancient Israel, but forgotten until the introduction of "Turkish" music in 18th century. There are many versions of cymbals. Thai version is ching and chab.
Trivia: Cymbals are mostly produced in Turkish company, Zidjian.

This is all of this article, see you next time!

Note: These pictures are public domain.

Für Elise

Now this article is about very famous piano song student have to start training from - Für Elise, which is composed by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827).

Für Elise opening score (Public domain)

The real name of this song is Bagatelle No. 25 (WoO* 59) (Bagatelle is a short piece of music, typically for piano) in A minor. This song is well-known because repeating and easy playing melody. It is applied to many songs such as pop, rock, etc.
The score was not published until 1867, 47 years after Beethoven's death.
Nobody certainly knows that who was "Elise" Beethoven referred to, nor why he wrote this song. Many scholars supposed that the song name is published incorrectly and it may refer to Therese Malfatti, Beethoven's friend and student.

* WoO - Werke ohne Opuszahl (In English: Work without opus number). Used in Beethoven's compositions that were not published with an opus number)