Paukenwirbel

timpani roll; drum roll on the kettledrum

noun POW-ken-vir-bel Rare

Usage Note

Paukenwirbel is a roll on the Pauke (kettledrum), used in orchestral music for dramatic effect, crescendos, and climaxes. The plural is unchanged: der Paukenwirbel, die Paukenwirbel.

Examples

"Das Werk beginnt mit einem langen, leisen Paukenwirbel."

Natural Translation

The work opens with a long, quiet timpani roll.

Literal Translation

The work begins with a long, quiet timpani-roll.

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