Passing by a Coptic church in the narrow alleys of Shubra in Cairo, one can clearly hear the alhan (Coptic hymns) sung in a harmonious, melismatic melody, on the loud and chiming tunes of two distinctive musical instruments: the cymbals and the triangle. It is unknown when the use of the cymbals (daff) and the triangle (trianto) was introduced into the Coptic church, especially since their use was previously frowned upon by many early church fathers.According to Father Shenouda Maher Ishak, “The prohibition of the use of musical instruments in the Coptic church dates back to the early centuries, when the church in the East and the church in the West, wanted to sever all connection with idolatry. The church prohibited the use of musical instruments as it was deeply associated with pagan practice.” Meanwhile, the Old Testament in the Bible mentions the use of the cymbals, the triangle, as well as other musical instruments. “Praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.” (Psalm 150:5) and “As they arrived, David was returning from a campaign against the Philistines. Women from all of Israel’s cities came to … Continue reading Cymbals and a Triangle: a Harmonious Addition to Coptic Hymns