Pauken

As Printed on a Score

The German name on timpani staves (Pauken; Pk. or Pauk. later; Pauke for one drum; Pauker for the player, as in 2 Pauker). Tuning changes are written with nach — Es nach E, retune E-flat to E — and German letter names apply: B means B-flat and H means B natural.

Abbreviations: Pk., Pauk., Pk

Also spelled: Pauke, Pauker

How Composers Use It

Reading German timpani parts mostly means reading the tuning instructions: plan each change, allow enough rest for it, and name it in the part (G nach Fis). German composers from Wagner to Mahler often called for two timpanists, so that more pitches are ready at once. The writing itself follows the timpani’s rules: bass clef, at pitch, and only as many notes as there are drums.

Example

Mahler, Symphony No. 5, first movement (Trauermarsch), timpani (“Pauken.”), m. 187: “Es nach E” — the player retunes the E-flat drum to E.

Related Terms