9/15/2016

Understanding The Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals

By Timothy Clark


Several kinds of percussion instruments have been invented and used since a long time ago. A cymbal is one percussion instruments. It comprises of thin, circular plates made using metal alloys. The pitch is often indefinite in most cymbals. However, definite notes can be attained by producing small, disc-like varieties that base on traditional designs. Istanbul Mehmet cymbals fall among the commonest percussion instruments employed in various events.

The term cymbal originated from a Latin word, cymbalum. Cymbalum is Latinized term that was derived from the Greek word kymbalon. In turn, kumbalon is word that derives from cup, bowl. In orchestral scores, a cymbal is indicated using words from various languages, including French, Spanish, German, and Italian. Even though these words are in different languages, they all have their origin from the word plates.

A cymbal originated in the ancient world. There are reliefs in different places with representations of this instrument, indicative of its existence in ancient worlds. Some among the places it was used include Assyria, Anatolia, Babylon, ancient Rome, Hittite, Larsa, and ancient Greece. There are also Bible verses that describe various people using the device to give praise to God.

It is believed that China was introduced to this instrument around the third or fourth century AD. In Turkish janissaries, the instrument was in use in the fourteenth century or earlier. Europe was introduced to the instrument in the seventeenth century, where it was commonly used in orcherstras and military bands. Diversity in the techniques, hardware, and shapes of the instrument started to change around the nineteenth century as some composers called for larger roles to be played by the device in musical works.

The features and structure of a cymbal contribute largely to the sound it makes. The instrument has a hole drilled at its center. The hole is used for mounting on stands or for inserting straps when the instrument is meant for hand playing. The region around the hole is usually raised and it is called the cup, dome, or bell.

The sound produced by the cup is usually of a higher pitch than other parts. The rest of the surface that makes up the area surrounding the cup is called the bow. There are two main areas that are used to describe the bow, that is, ride and crash area. The ride area is thicker and is closer to the cup. On the other hand, the crash is thinner and is closer to the edge.

Rims or edges refer to the immediate circumference in these instruments. When measuring the size of the device, the diameter becomes the basis for reference. Units for measurement are either inches or centimeters. Sound production is affected a lot by size. Larger cymbals make louder sounds that have a characteristically longer sustain.

The description of the weight of a cymbal is done basing on its thickness. Thickness is significant to the general playing and sound production by the instrument. Heavy devices make louder sounds that are more cut in nature. Stick articulation in such instruments is also better. A thinner cymbal produces fuller sounds with a lower pitch. They also have a faster response.




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