Cymbals
Cymbals are among the oldest percussion instruments in existence. Originating in Asia, they have often been used as a symbol of worship to deities in religious ceremonies, as well as accompany dancers who often hung them around their necks. They have grown to be some of the most integral aspects of concert and orchestral literature today, both in an accompanimental as well as soloistic setting, and can be seen extending into performances of all genres, from rock, to jazz, to hip-hop.
Parts of the Cymbals
Strap
Bell
Hole
Edge
The Sound
The most important aspect of any musical performance is the sound. Sure, cymbals look flashy, and people often hear what they see, but the highest quality sound that can be produced should be the end goal of any performance.
Holding the Cymbals
There are several techniques that cymbal players can use to hold the cymbals. Very often, players will find themselves putting their hands through the straps and holding them in a style akin to playing in the marching band. While this is a good technique for controlling the cymbals and producing often dazzling visual effects, it does not lend itself to producing a quality sound using the entirety of the cymbals, as the hands will often muffle the cymbals before they’ve made a sound.
Playing the Cymbals
Key aspects of playing the cymbals:
Creating a flam
Offset plates
Time of contact
Follow through
Holding cymbals in a concert setting should allow the player to make as little of contact with the cymbals as possible.
Pinch the strap at the bell, with the thumb and index finger
Wrap the remaining fingers around the rest of the strap
Let the cymbal rest on the middle knuckle
Think of the different aspects of playing the cymbals like the different aspects of a golf swing - you have the preparation, the point of contact, and the follow through. Proper utilization and technique throughout all three of these phases will help to create a consistently high quality sound.
Common Orchestral Cymbal Excerpts
Romeo and Juliet - Pyotr Ilytch Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No. 2 - Sergei Rachmaninov
Symphony No. 4 - Pyotr Ilytch Tchaikovsky