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Cymbal

A cymbal is a common percussion instrument. Often used in pairs, cymbals consist of thin, normally round plates of various alloys. The majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, although small disc-shaped cymbals based on ancient designs sound a definite note (such as crotales). Cymbals are used in many ensembles ranging from the orchestra, percussion ensembles, jazz bands, heavy metal bands, and marching groups. Drum kits usually incorporate at least a crash, ride, or crash/ride, and a pair of hi-hat cymbals. A player of cymbals is known as a cymbalist.

This article is about the musical instrument. For other uses, see Cymbal (disambiguation).

Percussion

Percussion

111.142 if played in pairs, or 111.242 if played with a hand or beater
(Concussion or percussion vessels)

7th century BCE

Etymology and names[edit]

The word cymbal is derived from the Latin cymbalum,[1] which is the latinisation from Greek κύμβαλον (kymbalon) 'cymbal',[2] which in turn derives from Ancient Greek κύμβη (kymbē) 'cup, bowl'.[3]


In orchestral scores, cymbals may be indicated by the French cymbales; German Becken, Schellbecken, Teller, or Tschinellen; Italian piatti or cinelli; and Spanish platillos.[4] Many of these derive from the word for plates.

Anatomy[edit]

The anatomy of the cymbal plays a large part in the sound it creates.[8] A hole is drilled in the center of the cymbal, which is used to either mount the cymbal on a stand or for tying straps through (for hand playing). The bell, dome, or cup is the raised section immediately surrounding the hole. The bell produces a higher "pinging" pitch than the rest of the cymbal. The bow is the rest of the surface surrounding the bell. The bow is sometimes described in two areas: the ride and crash area. The ride area is the thicker section closer to the bell while the crash area is the thinner tapering section near the edge. The edge or rim is the immediate circumference of the cymbal.


Cymbals are measured by their diameter either in inches or centimeters. The size of the cymbal affects its sound, larger cymbals usually being louder and having longer sustain. The weight describes how thick the cymbal is. Cymbal weights are important to the sound they produce and how they play. Heavier cymbals have a louder volume, more cut, and better stick articulation (when using drum sticks). Thin cymbals have a fuller sound, lower pitch, and faster response.


The profile of the cymbal is the vertical distance of the bow from the bottom of the bell to the cymbal edge (higher profile cymbals are more bowl-shaped). The profile affects the pitch of the cymbal: higher profile cymbals have higher pitch.

Types[edit]

Orchestral cymbals[edit]

Cymbals offer a composer nearly endless amounts of color and effect. Their unique timbre allows them to project even against a full orchestra and through the heaviest of orchestrations and enhance articulation and nearly any dynamic. Cymbals have been utilized historically to suggest frenzy, fury or bacchanalian revels, as seen in the Venus music in Wagner's Tannhäuser, Grieg's Peer Gynt suite,[9] and Osmin's aria "O wie will ich triumphieren" from Mozart's Die Entführung aus dem Serail.

and Cymbal alloys

Cymbal making

Cymbal manufacturers

Percussion instruments

and Drum kit

Drum

Taal

Zill

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the : Schlesinger, Kathleen (1911). "Cymbals". In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 7 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 690.

public domain

with an excellent short history of cymbals

Orchestral cymbal playing

A 3D binaural audio recording of different cymbal sound colours

Cymbal Colour Exploration