Rhythms Of The World - African Music Flashcards
How do the drummers in groups perform?
They establish a steady secure beat upon which complex patterns can be added
What kind of tempo is used in African rhythms?
It’s fast
Give three characteristics of African rhythms
Strong steady pulse, ostinatos and syncopation
What are cross rhythms in African rhythms?
An effect created when different or conflicting rhythm patterns are played together
What is poly rhythm in African rhythms?
A texture created when two or more different rhythmic patterns are played at the same time
Name four rhythmic instruments
Djembes, talking drums, agogo bells and shakere
Name two melodic instruments
Marimba and mbira
Why are voices often combined with African drumming?
As they add elements of melodic shape and texture
Describe a dejmbe
Goblet shaped drums that are played with the hands and can produce a wide variety of timbre, pitch and volume
Describe talking drums
Can be squeezed under arm or between knees while being played to tighten the skin and change the pitch. The drums are struck with a stick or beater
Describe a shakere
A shaker made with a hollow gourd and beads attached
What is a marimba?
A kind of wooden xylophone
What’s a mbira?
A thumb piano that has quite a high sound
