Holzschlägel

As Printed on a Score

Printed over a timpani or percussion part, usually as “mit Holzschlägel(n)” or abbreviated (“m. Holzschl.”), where wooden sticks replace the normal ones. It lasts until gewöhnliche Schlägel or another stick direction; the spelling Holzschlegel is also used.

Abbreviations: Holzschl.

Also spelled: Holzschlägeln, Holzschlaegel, Holzschlegel

How Composers Use It

Wooden sticks give timpani and drums a hard, dry, percussive attack with little resonance: rhythm becomes very clear and tone harsh. Mahler uses them for grotesque or violent moments. Always mark the return to normal sticks and allow time to change; on timpani the player may need to retune in the same rest.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, third movement (Scherzo), timpani, m. 771: “mit Holzschlägel.” — eleven bars later the part reads “gewöhnliche Schlägel.”

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