CIMBALOM Meaning and
Definition
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The cimbalom is a musical instrument classified as a type of chordophone and percussion instrument. It belongs to the family of hammered dulcimers and is played by striking the strings with small hammers or mallets. The word cimbalom is derived from the Hungarian word cimbalom or cymbalom, which itself comes from the Greek word kymbalon, meaning "cymbal."
The cimbalom is typically constructed with a trapezoidal-shaped wooden soundboard, which creates a resonating chamber. The strings, made of metal, are stretched across the soundboard, with each string assigned to a specific pitch. The instrument may have a range of up to four octaves, and the number of strings varies depending on the specific model.
Played with a combination of striking and damping techniques, the cimbalom produces a distinctive sound characterized by its percussive nature and shimmering quality. Traditionally, it is played by sitting behind the instrument and striking the strings with the hammers held in both hands. The player can vary the force and speed of the strikes to produce different dynamics and tonal colors.
The cimbalom has a rich cultural history and is often associated with the folk music of Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary and Romania, where it is frequently employed in traditional ensembles. It has also found its way into various genres of music, including classical, jazz, and contemporary compositions, due to its unique timbre and versatility.
Common Misspellings for CIMBALOM
- ximbalom
- vimbalom
- fimbalom
- dimbalom
- cumbalom
- cjmbalom
- ckmbalom
- combalom
- c9mbalom
- c8mbalom
- cinbalom
- cikbalom
- cijbalom
- cimvalom
- cimnalom
- cimhalom
- cimgalom
- cimbzlom
- cimbslom
- cimbwlom
Etymology of CIMBALOM
The word "cimbalom" is derived from the Hungarian word "cimbalom" itself, which came from the Greek word "kimbala", meaning "a kind of small table". The Hungarian term "cimbalom" is used to refer to a traditional hammered dulcimer or a type of chordophone musical instrument. The instrument dates back to the 13th century and is commonly found in Hungarian, Romanian, and other Eastern European folk music.
