The Cimbalom is a type of dulcimer from Hungary. The earliest kind of cimbalom was portable, and it is still played in country areas. In towns, it has been replaced by t he concert cimbalom, like this one. Beaters, with heads covered in soft cotton, are used to strike the strings.
Family |
Strings |
Pitch range |
4 octaves. |
Material |
Wooden soundbox, with metal strings. |
Size |
About 5 ft (1.50 m) long ; 24 in (60 cm) wide ; and 12 in (30 cm) deep. |
Origins |
The cimbalom has been played in Hungary since the 16th centuiy. The modern concert version was invented by Jozsef V. Schunda in Budapest in 1870. |
Classification |
Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
And also... |
Several composers, including Liszt, Kodály, Bartók, and Stravinsky have included the cimbalom in their orchestral works. |