Francesco Migliarini
Principal Timpanist of the Arturo Toscanini Orchestra (Parma, Italy) since 2010.
My thoughts about being a timpanist
My childhood dream was to become a drummer. When my love for symphonic music blossomed, it felt completely natural to continue following that dream as a timpanist.
What I love about the timpani is the idea of its sound combining with the other instruments, weaving among them, blending, enriching them and, when needed, emerging to dominate, both rhythmically and dynamically.
For me, the timpanist is a quiet leader, one who is able to confidently unite and guide, without arrogance, and with complete understanding and awareness.
In doing so, for me, the timpani became music, and their expressive range is virtually infinite.
“A band is only as good as its drummer”
My career so far
Born in Florence, my journey in music began under the tutelage of Jonathan Faralli at the Fiesole School of Music. During this period, my experience as a timpanist was enriched through participation in orchestras delivering conducting masterclasses by Carlo Maria Giulini, Daniele Gatti, and Jorma Panula.
Furthering my education, lessons were pursued in several cities: with Rainer Seegers in Berlin, David Searcy in Soncino, Italy, Stephan Cürlis in Hamburg, and Antonio Catone in Rome.
I have held positions as a timpanist and percussionist with the Orchestra Institute Attergau, under the patronage of the Vienna Philharmonic, and have been a member of the Italian Youth Orchestra.
Engagements followed as a guest with major Italian orchestras, including Teatro alla Scala and Filarmonica della Scala. Collaborations were formed with renowned conductors and soloists such as Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Daniel Baremboim, Myung-Whun Chung, Riccardo Muti, and others.
Alongside colleagues Andrea Bindi, Nicola Carrara, and Gregory Le Coeur, the TimpaniLab® project was co-founded to foster a community dedicated to the love and passion for timpani.
Advocacy has been a significant part of my career, promoting the return to the use of calfskin heads in Italian orchestras.
I have participated in several prestigious projects, including Spira Mirabilis and the Human Rights Orchestra.
My Timpani
Hardtke Berlin Classic bowls in four sizes:
- 78cm – 72cm – 66cm – 60cm
Why I play Hardtke Timpani
It’s the timpani set I use every day. I chose them for their exceptional versatility. They offer a wide spectrum of colors and an extensive pitch range, perfectly suited for the unique acoustics found in “Italian-style theatres.” This is where my orchestra frequently performs. This type of theatre architecture, characteristic of 18th and 19th-century Italian design, enhances their sound beautifully.
They sound absolutely incredible when playing the music of Verdi!
My Mallets
I mainly use mallets made by Jens-Peter Kappert and Akihiro Kato.
Timpani Heads
I use Kalfo heads every day, except when I’m playing open-air concerts.
Some more links:
Website of the Orchestra: www.fondazionetoscanini.it
Private Profiles of Francesco Migliarini: Instagram & Facebook
Verdi festival (video on Facebook)
Alpesh Chahuan conductor – Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini / Arturo Toscanini Orchestra – P.I. Čajkovskij Symphony n.6 op. 74 (YouTube)
George Petrou conductor – Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini / Arturo Toscanini Orchestra – L.V. Beethoven Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Op. 43 (Vimeo)