Ernst Pfundt Die Pauken
Publication Details and Significance
"Die Pauken" by Ernst Pfundt was originally published in 1849,with a second edition appearing in 1880. The full title is "Die Pauken: eine Anleitung dieses Instrument zu erlernen" (The Timpani: An Instruction for Learning This Instrument). The book is considered to be one of the most important historical documents on the instrument.
About Ernst Pfundt
Ernst Gotthold Pfundt was much more than just an author - he was considered a virtuoso in his time and played a crucial role in the development of timpani technology. Pfundt, along with Carl Hoffmann and Friedrich Hentschel, was responsible for suggesting critical modifications to the Einbigler drums, including a much larger fork-shaped support for the kettle which was attached to the very rim of the kettle, using heavier iron for the assembly to provide much more support, and replacing the previously thin spider with a solid disk.
Historical Context and Innovation
Pfundt's connection to musical history runs deep. He was Mendelssohn's timpanist and originally designed sponge-headed mallets (Schwammschlägel) in 1849,which are still recreated today by modern mallet makers.
Legacy and Importance
"Die Pauken" represents a pivotal moment in timpani pedagogy and history. Published in 1849, it comes from an era when the timpani was undergoing significant technical development, and Pfundt's dual role as both performer and instrument designer gives his instructional work unique authority. The book stands as both a method book and a historical document that captures mid-19th century timpani performance practices and technical knowledge from someone who was actively shaping the instrument's evolution.
This work is particularly valuable for understanding the transition from earlier timpani designs to more modern instruments, as Pfundt was directly involved in the mechanical improvements that would influence timpani construction for generations to come.
