crotale

plural crotales

1. plural normallyentertainmentA percussion instrument of archaic origin, resembling a metal castanet or cymbal.

   Orchestrally, however, crotales and antique cymbals are virtually synonymous, the only difference being that strictly speaking crotales are thicker and less finely wrought and unlike antique cymbals are not held freely in the hands.

   1983, Norman Del Mar, Anatomy of the Orchestra, page 420

   2 more examples

   In contrast to the cymbals of beaten metal, the British Museum collection includes several pairs of cast crotales. Strictly speaking, crotales are metal castanets, resembling cymbals. A pair of bronze crotales (from Thebes c. 200 BC) with large central boss and upturned rim, measure 2⁷/₁₆ inches in diameter, a thickness of approximately ¹/₈ inch, and a weight of 1³/₄ ozs.

   1970, James Blades, Percussion Instruments and Their History, published 1992, page 167

   Tension gradually mounts through the instrumental section as the dynamics build to a climactic point at bar 69 (5.12): the first occasion on which we hear the double-bass player strike the crotale - tuned, of course, to g³, the note identified by Harvey as the ‘death note’.

   2009, Michael Downes, Jonathan Harvey: Song Offerings and White As Jasmine, page 69

   Synonyms: antique cymbal