Monday, 12 September 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.

The origin of a cymbal lies in the ancient world. This is indicated by the presence of representation of the apparatus in reliefs in various places. Assyria, ancient Rome, Hittite, Anatolia, Larsa, ancient Greece, and Babylon are among the places it was found. The instruments is described a lot in the Bible as a tool that was used to praise God.

The Chinese were introduced to the device as early as 3rd or 4th century AD. The instrument was in wide use in Turkish janissaries by the fourteenth century. Introduction into Europe came later in the 17th century. In Europe it found use in military bands and orchestras. The nineteenth century came with the petitioning for using the device more in musical arts. This led to diversification of shapes, techniques, and hardware.

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.

Cups produce higher pitched sounds than other regions on the device. The cup is surrounded immediately by an area called a bow. Bows are comprised of two other areas, that is, the ride area and the crash area. The ride region has more thickness and it appears closer to the bell. Conversely, the crash region appears closer to edges and is thinner.

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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