Cymbals are thin metal disks that are clashed together or struck with sticks to produce a sound. They come in many sizes. There are tiny finger cymbals, and there are the large and deafening orchestral cymbals. Cymbals can sound soft and delicate, or loud and harsh. They are used in almost every type of music, from orchestral music to rock.

Composer: Britten Piece: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra Orchestra: English Chamber Orchestra Conductor: Britten

	Cymbals are made of curved bronze disks. They have a concave shape. This means that each cymbal curves slightly inwards. The player holds each cymbal through a strap attached to the outside of the curved disc, at its center. When two cymbals are struck together, their edges vibrate freely. This produces a ringing sound that makes big, loud chords in the orchestra even more exciting!