Timpani Rolls
The long tone of the timpani is the roll. Unlike the double stroke roll of the snare drum, the timpani's roll is produce by rapidly alternating the hands on a single stroke style. The timpani roll must sound even between the two hands.
A bigger drum will require a slower roll than than a smaller drum. Each pitch also determines how fast the roll must be.
The mallet selection will also alter the overall sound of the roll. A softer mallet will a full round roll while a harder timpani mallet will produce a thin articulate roll.
Below is a video showing the different speeds needed for each drum. For each drum both the fundamental pitch is played and the top note of the drum. The roll speed of the drum's top note is similar to the next higher drum's fundamental roll speed.
A bigger drum will require a slower roll than than a smaller drum. Each pitch also determines how fast the roll must be.
The mallet selection will also alter the overall sound of the roll. A softer mallet will a full round roll while a harder timpani mallet will produce a thin articulate roll.
Below is a video showing the different speeds needed for each drum. For each drum both the fundamental pitch is played and the top note of the drum. The roll speed of the drum's top note is similar to the next higher drum's fundamental roll speed.