Name of Instrument:
Cymbals
Family:
Percussion
How to Play:
The player holds the strap attached to each cymbal and brushes it against each other or clash it together. It can either be held horizontally or vertically and played either loudly or softly depending on the music. As part of a drum set, the cymbal may be controlled by a foot pedal or struck using a drumstick.
First Known Cymbals:
Cymbals originated from either India or Turkey. it is believed to have been used in Egypt and Israel during Ancient times. Cymbals were also used in Greece to honor Dionysus the god of ecstasy. In Pompeii cymbals of different sizes were discovered. It would later on be introduced in orchestral music of Europe.
Musicians Who Used Cymbals:
Several composers who used cymbals in their compositions are: Wolfgang Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Richard Wagner and Ludwig van Beethoven.