A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Timbales

by Victor de Pontigny

TIMBALES is the French word for Kettle-drums. [See Drum 2; vol. i. p. 463.] In that article, at p. 464b, it is mentioned that Meyerbeer used 3 drums, G, C, and D, in No. 17 of the score of 'Robert le Diable'; but it was really written for 4 drums, in G, C, D, and E, and was so played at the Paris Académie, where it was produced. This real kettle-drum solo begins thus, and is probably a unique example of its kind:—

The printed score has only 3 drums, G, C, and D, to facilitate the performance in ordinary orchestras, the E being then played by the contrabasso.

[ V. de P. ]