Zimbel

What it means

Zimbel designates a small metal cymbal, mostly struck against another of its kind in pairs, producing a bright, clear, long-ringing tone. Unlike large orchestral cymbals, zimbeln often have a recognizable pitch, because they are thick and small. Finger cymbals, worn on the thumb and middle finger, are common. The word also designates an organ stop: a high-pitched mixture of several pipe ranks that gives the sound brilliance, as well as, in some instruments, a cymbelstern with small bells.

In the notation

As a percussion instrument, zimbeln stand on the percussion staff line, and where a pitch is determinable, also with noteheads at a definite pitch. Indications for the manner of playing and for damping belong with them, because the ring is long. As an organ stop, the Zimbel appears on the stop knob with an indication of the rank count.

Musical use

Finger cymbals are connected with dance in numerous musical traditions and serve there for rhythmic structuring. In the orchestra they appear as a fine, glittering colour, often at soft dynamics and with sparing accompaniment, because their sound has little volume and is quickly covered. The organ stop of the same name fulfils a comparable function in a different context: it adds high partials to the sound and makes the principal chorus sparkle, without significantly increasing the loudness.

Performance practice

Do not strike the zimbeln flat against each other but glancingly at the rim, so that they vibrate freely; flat contact produces a dull clap. Hold them freely after the stroke so that the tone rings out, and damp deliberately when it should not reach into the next section. Watch the pitch of the available instruments in relation to the harmony. At the organ, register the Zimbel only over a carrying foundation, or it sounds shrill and detached.

Bear in mind that finger cymbals in pairs should be tuned: two discs with slightly different pitches produce a floating that, depending on the music, is desired or disturbing. Check this before use. For rhythmically precise figures, a glancing stroke is used; for long sounds, they are allowed to ring freely. With the organ stop of the same name, it holds to draw it only over a carrying foundation, because alone it seems shrill; check the effect in the nave and not at the console.