Crotali

As Printed on a Score

Labels crotales (Crotali; French cymbales antiques) on a treble-clef staff written two octaves below sounding pitch. Each disc gives one definite note, so the part shows real pitches; bowed crotales are marked arco.

Also spelled: Crotales

How Composers Use It

Small, thick bronze discs tuned to definite pitches, struck with hard mallets or bowed, ringing with a pure, very high tone that sustains for a long time. Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune closes with antique cymbals sounding softly. They pierce any texture, so a single quiet note is often enough; write the exact pitches you need, since a set covers only a limited range.

Related Terms