Roulement

As Printed on a Score

Printed above a timpani, drum or cymbal part, in full or as roul., usually with tremolo strokes through the note stem; it applies to the notes marked and ends where the note ends.

Abbreviations: roul.

How Composers Use It

A roulement sustains a percussion sound by rapid alternating strokes: a rumble on timpani or bass drum, a crisp roll on the snare, a swelling wash on a cymbal. Notate it with tremolo strokes and tie it to a final note if the roll should end with an attack. Add a hairpin when the roll grows or fades, and name the sticks.

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