Zapin

Question 1

Origin of Zapin

Answer 1

• introduced by the Arab communities from Hadhraumaut, Yemen
• only Malay dance tradition allowed to be performed in mosques
• only men dance

Question 2

Rhythm

Answer 2

Rebana: crotchet quaver-semisemi quaver quaver quaver quaver
Gong: Crotchet, dotted minim rest

Question 3

Melody

Answer 3

• performed/sung in harmonic minor
• strong islamic influence with augmented 2nd and Phrygian mode
• tonal inflection
• bayati mode: A Bb C D E F G
• hijaz mode: A Bb C# D E F G

Question 4

Structure

Answer 4

Begins with Taksim, with gambus improvisation which accompanies the salutation dance phase
- Gambus improvisation often articulates a pitch centre, with tremol and ornamentation, can be replaced with accordion or flute (rare)

Kopak: loud, interlocking drumming pattern

Ends with Wainab, which speeds up and is characterised by strong kopak, the concuding section of the music which features dance steps such as skips and turns

Question 5

Metre and Tempo

Answer 5

44 simple quadruple; fast

Question 6

Characteristic/Style

Answer 6

• Strict Rhythmic Pulse

- Use of Plucked Lute - Gambus

Question 7

Instrumentation

Answer 7

Gambus, rebana, marwas and dok, gong,
- marwas and dok plays interlocking rhythm

Zapin Arab: gambus and violin plays throughout

Zapin Melayu: melody provided by singer/instrument, and different instruments take turns to play the melody

Question 8

Influence

Answer 8

Arabic Influence with modal inflection

Question 9

Performance Context, Then vs Now

Answer 9

Past: Only male dancers, used for religious purposes

Now: Females included, zapin now also for secular purposes