An early name for a Zymbel containing a 3rd-sounding rank; Zymbels originally and properly contain only octave- and 5th-sounding ranks. It was known as early as the late 15th century, was recommended by Praetorius, and was popular among northern Dutch builders. Williams writes:

“The old Terzzimbeln were used in both solo and chordal passages, and probably so were Schnitger's. Strictly speaking, however, the chorus function of the old Terzzimbel had been taken over by the Zimbel proper, which was a third-less, constantly breaking high Mixture.

Williams suggests that the Terzzimbel was a precursor to the Terzian.

Examples

Osiris contains over three dozen examples, all but a handful are of III ranks.

Tertscymbel, Stoel (rugpositief); St. Niklaaskerk, Gent, Belgium; Niclays 1605. This is the earliest known example.

Terzzimbel III-IV, Oberwerk; Liebfrauendom, Munich, Germany; Zeilhuber 1957. Composition at C: 1/2', 1/3', 1/4'

Terzcymbel IV-V, Rückpositiv; Dom, Würtzburg, Germany; Klais 1968. Composition: 2/3', 1/2', 1/3', 1/4' (+ 2/5' at #15).

Bibliography