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Scan 133
A dictionary of musical terms, 1889
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1CYKLISCHE FORMEN——CZIMKEN.
3the position of the first note of the line or page following.
5Cyclische Formen. Rondo forms. [Form.]
6Cymbalista. A cymbal player.
7Cymbals. Cymbalum (Lat.) κύμβαλον (Gk). Musical instruments of percussion, consisting of two metallic basins, which are set in vibration by being clashed together. The shape of cymbals varies, from that of the actual form of a cup or basin to an almost flat plate. The following illustration shows those used by the Assyrians. It will be remarked that the lower basin is held in a stationary position, while the upper one is dashed on it.
9Fig. 1.
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13The Hebrews had two kinds of cymbals, mentioned by name in Psalm cl. 5, "Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals." The Arabians have two sorts at the present time, the larger they use in their religious ceremonies, but the smaller are rarely used but for the purpose of accompanying the dance. In India cymbals are used called talan, and a smaller sort called kintal. An illustration of Indian cymbals is given:
15Fig. 2.
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19The Burmese instruments of this class are of the true basin shape, as shewn in the following:
21Fig. 3.
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25A pair of ancient Egyptian cymbals are in existence; they are about five inches in diameter, and are made of a mixture of copper and silver, and in outline are identical with those now used by modern Egyptians.
27As has been the case with other musical instruments, the name cymbal has been applied in various ways. At one period the Italians called a tambourine by this name, and at another a dulcimer. As the harpsichord was the actual outgrowth of the dulcimer, the harpsichord came to be called cembalo, a word still to be found occasionally affixed to the pianoforte part of full scores. It is probable that the peculiar clang produced by striking the wire strings of a dulcimer with a wooden hammer gave rise to the association of the name cymbal with dulcimer.
29In modern military bands cymbals are used in the ancient manner. One plate is held in each hand of the performer, and the sound is produced by clashing the plates together. In the orchestra of the concert-room, one plate of a cymbal is attached to the upper side of the rim of the big (upright) drum, and the other held in the left hand of the drummer. The tone produced by the beating of these is largely increased in power and depth by the connection with the drum. Very small cymbals were introduced by Berlioz, tuned a fifth apart, as an orchestral instrument, but have not come into common use. Small cymbals are sometimes attached to the fingers and are hence called finger-cymbals:
31Fig. 4.
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35These naturally became associated with castanets; and they have also found their way into the rim of the tambourine, of which instrument they form an important element.
37It should be stated that cymbals are not struck together, actually face to face, for by so doing not only would the free vibration of the plates be very much arrested, but they would in all probability be split by the blow. Turkey is still celebrated for its manufacture of cymbals and other instruments of percussion, and exports them in large quantities to all parts of the world. The exact composition of the metal used in Turkey is not known to the manufacturers in other countries.
39Cypher-system. [Notation.]
40Czakan. A flute made of cane or bamboo.
41Czardasch (Hung.) [Chica.]
42Czimken (Polish). A dance similar to the country dance.
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