VAP DIGITAL BOOKSHELF - TIMPANI
All VAP Digital Bookshelf editions have been scanned at a very high resolution (most often at 600 dip). Each page has been straightened, cleaned and run through state-of-the-art optical character reading software so that entire texts are now searchable. Texts are OCR'd in their original language; so a German text is German language searchable. Each volume is presented in its original format, thus providing the most authentic copies available. Many of these books have been long out of print are are not available anywhere else. Use the "Peak Inside" button to see the depth of the materials and the quality of the publications!
HENRY TAYLOR
THE ART AND SCIENCE
OF TIMPANI
THE ART AND SCIENCE
OF TIMPANI
Out of print for 50 years, Taylor's book on Timpani is again available through VAP Media's Digital Bookshelf.
The Art and Science of the Timpani was one of the first studies ever published to consider the physical design of the instrument and how the shape and beating spot affect tonal quality. Chapters include: 1) Production of the Note. 2) The Path of the Sound-Wave. 3) Skins - Their Treatment and Method of Manufacture. 4) Timpani Sticks. 5) "Fine" Tuning. 6) Random Observations. 7) Harmonic Relationship. and 8) Index
OTTO SEELE
SCHULE FÜR PAUKE
SCHULE FÜR PAUKE
Otto Seele's book, Schule für Pauke, was originally published in 1897, is again available through VAP Media's Digital Bookshelf.
The Schule für Pauke includes text in three languages: English, German, and Russian. Topics include the History and Art of Kettledrumming, Attitude of the Drummer, Holding the Sticks, Tuning, and several illustrations. There are also several pages of technical exercises and etudes, as well as excerpts of orchestral repertoire.
FRED SIETZ
MODERN SCHOOL
FOR TIMPANI
MODERN SCHOOL
FOR TIMPANI
The Modern School has the subtitle: "a theoretical and practical instruction book for the kettledrums with numerous illustrations and a collection of the most important passages from operas and concert compositions". This book includes an extensive section on the history of timpani along with several illustrations, and other sections on Holding the Drumsticks and Way of Beating, Kettledrum Heads and how to mount them on the Flesh Hoops, Kettledrum Sticks, Position of Tympani, and information on rolls, and muffling.
There are also several pages of exercises and over 100 pages of excerpts of orchestral and opera repertoire. In just about every way, this book is the predecessor and model used by Saul Goodman for his outstanding book.
GORDON CLEATHER
THE TIMPANI
THE TIMPANI
G. Gordon Cleather presented two lectures to the Royal College of Organists in 1908, these lectures are now available through VAP Media's Digital Bookshelf.
These lectures are little time machines into to the performance practices of timpanists at the turn of the 20th Century. He states at the outset that his topics will include the "rhythmical [sic.] side of the instrument, the artistic side, the construction, and the need to establish a recognized school and standard of Timpani-playing". But the personal stories shared with his audience make these lectures come alive. This is a fun and important read. Many of his topics are still worth discussion today!
ERNEST PFUNDT
DIE PAUKEN
DIE PAUKEN
Die Pauken, by Ernst Pfundt was originally published in 1849, is again available through VAP Media's Digital Bookshelf. This scan is from the second edition of 1880.
Die Pauken is offered in the original German language and has been OCR'd in that language. Pfundt was considered a virtuoso in his time, and one fo the designers responsible for making critical improvements to the Einbigler instruments. This book is considered to be one of the most important historical documents on the instrument.
CARLO ÁNTONIO BORACCHI
MANUALE PEL TIMPANISTA
MANUALE PEL TIMPANISTA
Boracchi's Manuale Pel Timpanista, originally published in 1842, is again available through VAP Media's Digital Bookshelf.
Boracchi was a timpanist in the La Scala Orchestra and a designer and builder of timpani. This is one of the earliest books covering timpani. It includes information on the performance practice of the time, and information about his designs and improvements to the instrument. This version is in the original Italian, and the OCR text has been completed in the Italian language.