Editing Timpani (section)

=== Standard set ===
A standard set of timpani (sometimes called a console) consists of four drums: roughly {{convert|32|in|cm|0}}, {{convert|29|in|cm|0}}, {{convert|26|in|cm|0}}, and {{convert|23|in|cm|0}} in diameter.<ref name=goodman>{{cite book|last=Goodman |first=Saul |author-link=Saul Goodman |title=Modern Method for Tympani |orig-year=1948 |year=1988 |publisher=[[Alfred Publishing|Alfred Publishing Company, Inc.]] |location=[[Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California|Van Nuys]], [[California]] |isbn=978-0-7579-9100-4}}</ref> The range of this set is roughly [[scientific pitch notation|D<sub>2</sub> to A<sub>3</sub>]]. A great majority of the orchestral repertoire can be played using these four drums. However, contemporary composers have written for extended ranges. [[Igor Stravinsky]] specifically writes for a ''piccolo timpano'' in ''[[The Rite of Spring]]'', tuned to B<sub>3</sub>. A piccolo drum is typically {{convert|20|in|cm|0}} in diameter and can reach pitches up to C<sub>4</sub>.

Beyond this extended set of five instruments, any added drums are nonstandard. ([[Luigi Nono (composer)|Luigi Nono]]'s [[Al gran sole carico d'amore]] requires as many as eleven drums, with actual melodies played on them in octaves by two players.) Many professional orchestras and timpanists own more than just one set of timpani, allowing them to execute music that cannot be more accurately performed using a standard set of four or five drums. Many schools and [[youth orchestra]] ensembles unable to afford purchase of this equipment regularly rely on a set of two or three timpani, sometimes referred to as "the orchestral three".<ref name=grove/> It consists of {{convert|29|in|cm|0|adj=on}}, {{convert|26|in|cm|0|adj=on}}, and {{convert|23|in|cm|0|adj=on}} drums. Its range extends down only to F<sub>2</sub>.

The drums are set up in an arc around the performer. Traditionally, [[North America]]n, [[United Kingdom|British]], and [[France|French]] timpanists set their drums up with the lowest drum on the left and the highest on the right (commonly called the ''American'' system), while [[Germany|German]], [[Austria]]n, and [[Greeks|Greek]] players set them up in the reverse order, as to resemble a drum set or upright bass (the ''German'' system).<ref name=grove/> This distinction is not strict, as many North American players use the German setup and vice versa.