Page 41 - Phil Holiday Pops 2025 digital program book
P. 41
Film & Popular Music
Timpani may be hidden, but they’re everywhere:
Star Wars and Superman (John Williams) – heroic,
thunderous rhythmic drive Fast and virtousic pitch changes. Johnny
Williams (Johns Dad) was a percussionist that performed on Leonard
Bernstein’s score to the movie On The Waterfront. John’s brother Don plays
on many of film soundtracks as well.
Pirates of the Caribbean (Klaus Badelt/Hans Zimmer) – bold,
swashbuckling pulse I don’t know about this one?
Back to the Future (Hans Zimmer) – Rapid pitch changes that allow
the timpani playing unison with the brass
Marvel film scores – for intensity, suspense, and battle moments
Epic trailer music – timpani rolls are practically a signature sound
Even pop and rock recordings occasionally use timpani for dramatic flair—
Phil Collins, The Beatles, and Queen all experimented with them.
Why We Love
the Timpani
The timpani are the orchestra’s heartbeat—shaping
emotion, grounding rhythm, and adding color in ways no
other instrument can.
Whether signaling triumph, building suspense, or adding
warmth under a melody, the timpani are the subtle (and
sometimes not-so-subtle!) storytellers of the symphonic
world.
Once you start listening for them, you’ll hear them
everywhere.
Season 2025/26 ~ 39
