What is crotales?

Crotales, also known as antique cymbals or manjira, are a set of small, tuned percussion instruments made of bronze or brass discs. They are typically played in pairs and produce a high-pitched, bell-like sound when struck together. Crotales come in various sizes, with the larger ones producing lower pitches and the smaller ones producing higher pitches.

Crotales are commonly used in orchestral and chamber music, as well as in contemporary music and film scoring. They are often used to add color, shimmer, and a sense of mystery to a piece of music. Crotales are played with standard drumsticks, mallets, or even by hand, depending on the desired effect.

The pitch of crotales can be altered by bending the discs or by using specialized clips to change the tension on the discs. This allows for a wider range of musical possibilities and allows performers to create different tonalities and textures.

Overall, crotales are a versatile and unique percussion instrument that adds a distinct sound to any musical ensemble.