Percussion instruments
Halile (cymbals)
Halile (cymbals): A percussion instrument of two metal cymbals, used in Mevlevi âyins. Together with the ney, rebab and kudüm it is one of the four basic instruments of Mevlevi music. It accompanied the semâ âyins in the Mevlevi lodges and is also known as the Mevlevi cymbal.
In brief
- Family: Percussion; pair of cymbals made of two metal discs clashed together
- Name: Of Arabic origin; the name for the cymbals played in Mevlevi lodges, the player is called halilezen
- In Mevlevi music: One of the four basic instruments, with the ney, rebab and kudüm
- Body and materials: Two discs of metal alloy, hammered thin; held by a strap through the central hole
- Playing: Clashed together, rubbed, or closed and pressed to damp them
- Music: Mevlevi sema ayin (mukabele)
- Related instruments: Zil; larger cymbals are used in the mehter[1, 2, 3]
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History
Together with the ney, rebab and kudüm it is one of the four basic instruments of Mevlevi music. It accompanied the semâ âyins in the Mevlevi lodges and is also known as the Mevlevi cymbal.
Construction
It consists of two wide, thin metal discs with a raised centre; each is held by a strap or cord passed through the hole in its middle.
How it is played
One cymbal is held in each hand; they are struck against each other to ring and, when needed, pressed to silence them.
Its place in makam music
It plays no melody; in the âyin it marks the strong beats of the usul with its bright, long-ringing sound and complements the kudüm.
Getting started: types, sizes, tuning
Start with this instrument
Masters on recordings
Performers who play this instrument on recordings of works in the score archive (MusicBrainz).
Frequently asked questions about the Halile (cymbals)
What is the difference between the halile and the zil?
The halile, specific to Mevlevi âyins, consists of two large, wide and thin metal cymbals; it gives a long, bright ring. The zil is mostly smaller and is played in many settings, from the mehter to dance tunes and dance. In âyin music, the halile emphasizes the important strokes of the usul alongside the kudüm.
How is the halile used in the Mevlevi âyin?
Together with the ney, rebab and kudüm, it is one of the basic instruments of Mevlevi music. In the âyin it is played on the strong strokes of the usul, complementing the sound of the kudüm and adding a bright ring to the sema. The player controls the length of the sound by damping the ringing of the cymbals or letting them ring freely.
How is the halile played?
Each hand holds a cymbal by the strap or cord in its center. The cymbals are struck together to make them ring; at the desired moment the sound is silenced by pressing them against the chest or body. The angle and force of the strike determine the brightness and length of the sound.
Can the halile still be heard today?
Yes. The halile continues to be used in ensembles that maintain and revive Mevlevi âyins. It plays a smaller part in the fasıl ensembles of classical Turkish music; there the usul is carried largely by the kudüm and other percussion instruments.