Edited for December Moonlight by Carolyn Howard
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Possibilities Origin
Construction
Cymbals consist of two thin round plates of copper and tin alloy with a handle strap in the middle of each for holding them. The sound is obtained not by clashing them together but by rubbing their edges together by a sliding movement. Sometimes one is held in the left hand by a strap and struck with the soft stick of the bass drum, which produces a sound akin to that of the tom-tom. A weird, save effect can also be produced by holding one cymbal suspended by the strap, and letting the drummer execute a roll on it as it swings.
All shades of loud and soft can be obtained. When the cymbals are to be allowed to vibrate, the composer indicates this by writing “Let them vibrate.” “Damp the sound” is his or her direction if the contrary effect is desired. To do this, the player presses the cymbals against his chest as soon as he has played the note, which stops the vibrations. The duration of the vibration is indicated by the value of the note used on the staves; its name signifies nothing, as the pitch of the cymbals is indefinite. This instrument plays the same music as the bass drum, unless otherwise indicated. Cymbals are to be found in all orchestras, though they are but occasionally required. They are useful for marking the rhythm and for producing weird, fantastic or military color; their shrill, quivering notes are heard above those of all the other instruments playing fortissimo. Cymbals are unrivaled for giving the effect of frenzy, fury or of a bacchanalian revel/ When damped, a sinister impression of dire misfortune is conveyed.
The origin of the cymbals is prehistoric and they are found depicted on mural paintings and sculptures of the highest antiquity; their construction is so simple, and their possibilities so limited, that they have undergone little change or development.
Source: Hofmann, Richard. "Modern Instruments" Modern Music and Musicians. Ed. Louis C. Elson. The University Society, Inc.: New York, 1918. 232.
The above information is useful for today's musician. This book is in the Public Domain.