Does anyone know any orchestral works that sound epic with the use of tom-toms? I'm thinking Hans Zimmer might have some, but I don't remember. I can't find any vids of an orchestral tom-tom player. I don't even know what an orchestral tom-tom even looks like! I'm trying to learn how to apply it in one of my arrangements.

I do not know of orchestral pieces using tom-tom in the concert hall. I am sure there are, but no idea. Your easier way to look for it is to check movie trailer music. Cinesample has also sampled the tom-toms with cinematic purpose, there are a few demos in their website.

Oh !? Would you mean like the movie "Pirates of Caribbean" ?
I'm currently working on a short movie and took some inspiration about the Soundtrack of this movie.
I use Timpani and Taiko drums. With some brasses added, the rhythm used give some epic feelings !
If it's right, when i come back home, i could post midi and sheet parts about this ;)

Thanks! I did a google search and it looks like this http://www.lonestarpercussion.com/Categories/Dynasty. Does it sound the same as the drumkit tom toms? I don't want to have a misconception. The concert tom tom drums have 8, the drumkit has 6.

Oh! I see. I misunderstood a little bit :heh:

Effectively Timpani nor Taiko are tom tom, it's not the same thing ^_^


But, If I could : why more tom tom than other percussions ? You're looking for some particular effect ?

Tom tom drums make a good combo with snare drums and strings played in the key of minor. And maybe a touch of french horn in there. It actually sounds really good out of my piano, but I'm missing the upper 2 tom tom drums (mine only has 6).

I found this video : http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x9vkrv_omar-yagoubi-energie-solo-aiko-miya_music (this is a solo).


In fact the choice of the percussions is like the other instruments; it depends about the feelings you want and the soul of the piece.

I don't remember having heard this before; it's pretty nice !