The Zimbelstern (meaning "cymbal star" in German, and also spelled Cymbelstern, Zymbelstern, or Cimbalstern) is a "toy" organ stop consisting of a metal or wooden star or wheel on which several small bells are mounted. When engaged, the star rotates, producing a continuous tinkling sound. It was common in northern Europe, Germany in particular, throughout the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. After about 1700, the bells were tuned to particular notes.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Zimbelstern.png/200px-Zimbelstern.png)
The device is probably most effective as a foil to light Baroque counterpoint of an upbeat nature, or hymns registered using a bright principal chorus. In some Christian liturgical traditions, it is rung during the singing of the Sanctus or on doxological stanzas of hymns.
External links edit
- More complete description of the Zimbelstern
- Zimbelstern demonstration video with audio; Harm Dieder Kirschner's organ in the Evangelical Lutheran Island Church in Norderney, East Frisia, Lower Saxony