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This variety of cymbalum is very similar to modern Spanish castanets. |
The κρέμβαλα mentioned in the Homeric poem to Apollo (161‑164), were of this kind, played on by a chorus of Delians. The scabilla or κρουπέζια were also on the same principle, only played with the foot, and inserted in the shoe of the performer; they were used by flute-players, perhaps to beat time to their music (Pollux, X.33).
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The cymbal was a very ancient instrument, being used in the worship of Cybele, Bacchus, Juno, and all the earlier deities of the Grecian and Roman mythology. It probably came from the East, from whence, through the Phoenicians, it was conveyed to Spain (compare Martial's Baetica Crumata). Among the Jews it appears (from 2 Chron. v.12, 13; Nehem. xii.27) to have been an instrument in common use. At Rome we first hear of it in Livy's account of the Bacchic orgies, which were introduced from Etruria (XXXIX.9).
For sistrum, which some have referred to the class of cymbala, see Sistrum.
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Page updated: 1 Jul 13