Josh500 1,615 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Which example(s) impresses you the most? I especially like the beginning of "Buckbeak's Flight," the careful use of it in "Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra" and "Hymn to the Fallen"... Which are some of JW's best uses of the timpani? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joni Wiljami 1,206 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Sail Barge Assault (or the return of the Jedi in OST)I just love the battle between the timpani and the rest of the orchestra. Best action music ever. Mattris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxxie 1 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I especially like the beginning of "Buckbeak's Flight,"I always thought that was too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 This calls for a merge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissPadmé 17 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I especially like the beginning of "Buckbeak's Flight,"I always thought that was too much.No those are also Japanese Taiko Drums, wich are mainly reaponsible for the strong thik percussive sound of the beginning.I always liked the "Meeting Hitler" Timpani overdub!DUN DUN dundun DUMM Mattris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 2,034 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I was under the impression that those were concert tom-toms, not taiko drums. Do you have a source, MissPadme? (I don't, other than the ears of a percussionist, aka me. Taiko drums don't have quite so bright a sound.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissPadmé 17 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I don't have any source besides my ears. I really think that they are mixed in, but now that I think of it, I believe I saw it in an actual score. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxxie 1 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I especially like the beginning of "Buckbeak's Flight,"I always thought that was too much.No those are also Japanese Taiko Drums, wich are mainly responsible for the strong thick percussive sound of the beginning.I thought so. Definately sounded too 'heavy' to be Timapani. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 2,034 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Oh, it's undoubtedly not just timpani. Timpani can't sound like that on their own. The question is whether the other drums are tom-toms, taiko, both, or another kind of drum altogether. I'm fairly certain they're tom-toms - taiko have a different sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airmanjerm 78 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Oh, it's undoubtedly not just timpani. Timpani can't sound like that on their own. The question is whether the other drums are tom-toms, taiko, both, or another kind of drum altogether. I'm fairly certain they're tom-toms - taiko have a different sound.I'm pretty sure that is one large concert tom (maybe doubled by a second, but I don't think so) and 4 timpani. Both are being struck with wooden mallets, which gives it more articulation. Taiko drums have much more of a resonant sound, like Datameister said...you "almost" get a definite pitch from a taiko. The sound on the recording is also much too articulate to be a taiko drum.I love JW's use of the timpani, to the point that it has influenced my own timpani writing. A percussion friend of mine told me once that you can always tell a John Williams timpani part, because you will need NINE drums just to play THREE notes! (He was joking.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I always liked the "Meeting Hitler" Timpani overdub!DUN DUN dundun DUMMHa ha ha, fantastic choice of fave timpani. My fave would probably be the solo heard as the Death Star prepares to fire at the end of the Star Wars.The Lost World's The Hunt also has a great short flash of timpani in the latter half of the cue. DUM DA DA DUM dum dum DA DA DUM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I am rather fond of the Timpani in "Vistor in San Diego". I get chills everytime I hear it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 2,034 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I'm pretty sure that is one large concert tom (maybe doubled by a second, but I don't think so) and 4 timpani.Interesting. I'd always assumed it was multiple toms, but listening again, I can totally hear what you're saying - the pitch differences could very much just be the result of the different timps in the background. Thanks for chiming in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Oh, and I love "Invading Elliot's House" too. It has this quasi-operatic feel to it, and I love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romão 2,274 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I'm no expert, but I've always been very impressed by JW's use of the timpani in War of the Worlds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I will decide if I agree with you or not in a week or so. Though I do seem to recall some awesome Timpani moments while watching the film. I guess it would be in the Track "The Ferry Scene". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissPadmé 17 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Ahhh how could I forget the Trade Federation March (well much more: Gungans into Battle - Alternate!) from the Ep I Album. that timpani Intro is fantastic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 75 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 There's some great timpani work in The Phantom Menace, like all throughout the lightsaber fight sequence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissPadmé 17 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Yes indeed! my favourite part has always been:"Korahhh Mataaahhh dddrrrrrrrrRRRRRRRR BAMM!Koraha Ratamahhh!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 "General Grievous." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Datameister 2,034 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Oh goodness - agreed, indy4. Who knew one loud C on a timp could be so effective? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Docteur Qui 1,544 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I like the bar long timpani "solos" he puts in some of his concert arrangements, like the end of "Duel of the Fates" and "Double Trouble" (concert version).He certainly does not neglect any instrument of the symphony orchestra, that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omen II 1,235 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 I love those 'walking timpani', played just off the beat, in the end titles of The Poseidon Adventure. And how about towards the end of the Planting the Charges cue in The Towering Inferno? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 If we talk about those, then I would like to mention "The Hunt". Though it is sometimes hard to hear the Timpani amongst the other Percussion instruments, it is very cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Koray Savas 2,251 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Didn't we have a thread about this a few months ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 No, that was about a Timpanist who "owed his career to John Williams". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MSM 126 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 Didn't we have a thread about this a few months ago?Indeed we had.Anyway, Imperial March for me. Under the sautillé lower strings and the snare it gives an intimidating effect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry B 50 Posted January 17, 2009 Share Posted January 17, 2009 This is kind of like asking "what is your favorite use of the cymbal?" or "what is your favorite use of the string section"? Or better yet, "what is your favorite John Williams score that uses an orchestra?"<_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest macrea Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 "The Pheasant Hunt" from Empire of the Sun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh500 1,615 Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 Oh, it's undoubtedly not just timpani. Timpani can't sound like that on their own. The question is whether the other drums are tom-toms, taiko, both, or another kind of drum altogether. I'm fairly certain they're tom-toms - taiko have a different sound.Yes, there is no taiko drums here.Timpanis + tom toms. I thought this was quite an original way to score that moment when Buckbeak lets loose...The Lost World's The Hunt also has a great short flash of timpani in the latter half of the cue. DUM DA DA DUM dum dum DA DA DUMYes! And the beginning of the Main Theme. I love how it tries to emulate King Kong (or what)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,792 Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 This is kind of like asking "what is your favorite use of the cymbal?" or "what is your favorite use of the string section"? Or better yet, "what is your favorite John Williams score that uses an orchestra?"What's wrong with it?Can't one ask 'what's your favourite violin solo piece' for example? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quintus 5,399 Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Mr Buck thinks not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Josh500 1,615 Posted January 18, 2009 Author Share Posted January 18, 2009 This is kind of like asking "what is your favorite use of the cymbal?" or "what is your favorite use of the string section"? Or better yet, "what is your favorite John Williams score that uses an orchestra?"What's wrong with it?Can't one ask 'what's your favourite violin solo piece' for example?In the past, I made threads about JWs use of the French horn, the English horn, the oboe, the clarinet, and the flute! I think he is truly a master of instrumentalization... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TownerFan 4,983 Posted January 18, 2009 Share Posted January 18, 2009 Let's not forget John Williams' father was quite an accomplished timpanist/percussionist (he also played timpani in Family Plot). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beowulf 4 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 I gotta go with the rolling timps in Hook as a favorite just off the top of my head.But then again, everything in that score is pretty much perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,792 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Let's not forget John Williams' father was quite an accomplished timpanist/percussionist (he also played timpani in Family Plot).Wasnt his father a jazz musician, and his brother, Don, the percussionist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joni Wiljami 1,206 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 John Williams Sidebar - Did You Know?John Williams' father, spent the latter part of his life researching monkeys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TownerFan 4,983 Posted January 19, 2009 Share Posted January 19, 2009 Wasnt his father a jazz musician, and his brother, Don, the percussionist?John Williams Sr. was a very talented drummer/percussionist, especially during the 1930s and 1940s. He played percussion in the CBS Orchestra of New York and then went on joining famed jazz musician Raymond Scott and became part of the Raymond Scott Quintette. When he moved to LA with the family, he also performed in Hollywood-based big bands and orchestras.Don Williams and Jerry Williams (John T.'s brothers) are both percussionist and they both plays in LA studio orchestras. John T's son, Mark Williams, is percussionist too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Some of my favourites have been mentioned already. I love Williams' timpani solos as in Battle of Yavin, and the double timpanis in WOTW rock. There's also a wonderful solo in Desert Chase, and the timpani in The Football Game has always been a personal favourite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,792 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 AOTC duel with dooku has some nice timpani too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wojo 2,453 Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 Best use of the timpani?Weigh down the back of a front-wheel drive minivan on icy roads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maglorfin 196 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Which are some of JW's best uses of the timpani?How about the very end of Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye from E.T.? That Zarathustra moment? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incanus 5,713 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Which are some of JW's best uses of the timpani?How about the very end of Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye from E.T.? That Zarathustra moment? Well JW does have many of those moments in his scores Gotta to love them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indy4 155 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Has anybody mentioned in the timpani solo in "Battle of Yavin?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ollie 1,059 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I believe so.AOTC duel with dooku has some nice timpani too.Might also qualify as best use of flamenco music in a Star Wars film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marian Schedenig 8,153 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Has anybody mentioned in the timpani solo in "Battle of Yavin?"I'm too lazy to see if I perhaps have been too lazy to reply to this thread at all, but if I wasn't, I must have mentioned it. One of the best timpani parts I've heard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Skywalker 1,792 Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I believe so.AOTC duel with dooku has some nice timpani too.Might also qualify as best use of flamenco music in a Star Wars film.Olé! I really think that williams pictures dooku as some old Spanish knight-gentleman, the looks fit very well, and the cape as short as it is looks like those that men wore around the 17th century (earlier and later too)The mantle the bullfighters wear was originally a cape, and it still is in design. Dooku rules Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crlbrg 381 Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 Does anyone know where I might see the intro to Buckbeak’s flight you were mentioning notated? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom 4,631 Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 So, when old threads like this are bumped, you remember the original conversation, and that 8 years have passed, does anyone have that realization that the last 8 years of their lives have been relatively pointless? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wojo 2,453 Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 Yup. Every day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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