tam-tam
A large, flat, unpitched gong of indefinite pitch used in orchestral music, producing a dark, ominous wash of sound when struck with a heavy beater.
In Depth
The tam-tam is distinct from the tuned gong used in gamelan and other Asian traditions. It is a large, flat bronze disc with a slightly turned-back edge, producing a complex, shimmering wash of overtones when struck. The sound builds slowly after the initial attack, reaching maximum volume several seconds later — a unique characteristic among percussion instruments.
Orchestral composers use the tam-tam for moments of maximum dramatic impact, climactic passages, and evocations of doom or grandeur. Tchaikovsky famously used it to mark the moment of death in his Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique). Puccini, Mahler, and Strauss all employed it for its overwhelming sonic power. A large tam-tam struck fortissimo can produce sound waves felt physically by the audience. The instrument requires considerable skill to control, as its slow response and long sustain demand precise timing.
A fully resonating tam-tam can sustain audible sound for over a minute after a single strike — orchestral players must carefully damp it with their body to prevent unwanted ringing.