Is there a more exciting instrument than the crash cymbal? You know, the explosive one that shakes you up, and maybe wakes you up, often when you least expect it. Even when other instruments are playing at triple forte, the clash of the cymbal will break through.
The cymbal, often associated with religious rites, military observances and dance, is an ancient instrument. It’s famously mentioned in the Old Testament. (“Praise him with the clash of cymbals.”) In the 17th century, Armenian alchemist Avedis Zildjian developed a combination of copper and tin (and possibly a sliver of silver) that produced the perfect sound and is most similar to the cymbals used today. (The company he started in the 17th century remains one of the biggest sellers of cymbals.)
Carl Maria Weber was among the first composers to incorporate the cymbal into music, in his 1826 opera Oberon. But leave it to the bombastic Richard Wagner to really popularize the instrument, particularly in The Ring Cycle (1874). The romantic period’s emphasis on turbulent emotion seemed to demand more of the cymbals’ use.
Crash cymbals, which can be played by, yes, crashing two instruments together or with a drumstick, are used to emphasize a rhythm, to propel the music forward, to build up a frenzy. Watch Minnesota Orchestra percussionist Brian Mount give a tutorial, then listen to some of these prime examples of, um, cymbalism.
Classical legacy
“Toreador,” from Carmen, by Georges Bizet: Here’s a classic case of how the cymbals urge the music forward, rather than just serve as percussive punctuation.
Finale, Symphony No. 2, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: This work is a veritable cymbal festival. Listen to how the sound builds and picks up intensity, led by the insistent instrument.
“Overture” from Carnival, by Antonin Dvorak: The exuberance of Dvorak’s work celebrating life and merriment would be nothing without the cymbal’s distinctive clash.
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” from Peer Gynt, by Edvard Grieg:
This iconic work starts slowly and escalates into a whirling fury, aided, of course, by the cymbals hitting the off beats.
Also Sprach Zarathustra, by Richard Strauss: Indelibly linked with the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, the majesty of the horns and strings give way to that supernova of a crash.
Beyond classical
The Stars and Stripes Forever, by John Phillip Sousa: Percussion is a staple of marching bands, and Sousa was a master of its use, particularly in arguably his most famous march.
“I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band),” by the Moody Blues: Rock bands most often use drumsticks on their cymbals, and sometimes they get pretty wild. Moodies drummer Graeme Edge propels the progressively faster intro with his extravagant cymbals and gets the last word, as well.
“Working for the Weekend,” by Loverboy: Cowbell paired with crashing cymbal starts off this fervent tribute to hedonism.
“Runaway,” by Bon Jovi: Watch drummer Tico Torres put an exclamation point on the lyrics (questionable ones to be sure, but hey, it was the ‘80s) at the 2:40 mark.
Lastly, enjoy this “oops” moment salvaged by a young musician.
You just can’t ignore cymbals. And that’s why they’re the best instrument ever!
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