tamburo

Tamburo is the Italian word for drum, a percussion instrument that produces sound when a stretched membrane is struck. The term is used broadly for membranophones in Italian music. It is cognate with tambour in French and tambor in Spanish, reflecting a common ancient root shared by many European languages.

Most tamburi have a hollow body made of wood, metal, or synthetic materials, with one or two membranes stretched over the ends. They can be played with sticks or mallets, hands, or brushes, depending on the type and tradition. Tensioning devices such as lugs or cords adjust the membrane tension to change pitch and timbre. Sizes range from small hand drums to large marching drums, with larger instruments producing lower pitches.

In Italian usage, tamburo covers instruments used in marching bands, orchestral percussion sections, and various folk ensembles. In traditional Italian music, drums accompany dancers and singers in folk festivals and processions, a role mirrored in many other cultures. In contemporary music, the tamburo is frequently part of rhythm sections or percussion setups, where it contributes to texture and drive.

Historically, drums are among the oldest musical instruments, found across diverse civilizations. The tamburo, as a term, reflects the long-standing importance of the drum in Italian musical life and its connections with broader European drumming traditions.