Pairs of cymbals are used to add a particular timbre to the overall sound of the orchestra, to provide accents and accentuate climaxes.
The instrument's sound is very conspicuous and should therefore be used with care.
A good blend of percussion instruments is achieved especially by those with a bright and penetrating sound such as the triangle, tambourine, bells, sleigh bells and castanets.
The combination with the bass drum and other lower percussion instruments (timpani, tom-tom etc.) produces a different, very particular and effective composite timbre.
Trumpets and trombones combine especially well with the cymbal and the timbre becomes more penetrating.