5.4 Percussion Instruments: Darbuka, Riq, and Frame Drums
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Percussion instruments play a crucial role in Middle Eastern music. The , , and frame drums are key players in creating rhythmic foundations and adding texture to various genres. Each has unique construction and playing techniques that contribute to their distinct sounds.
These instruments are versatile, used in traditional and contemporary settings. From weddings to concerts, they provide essential rhythmic support and embellishments. Mastering these drums requires skill in various techniques and a deep understanding of Middle Eastern musical traditions.
Goblet-Shaped Drums
Darbuka Construction and Playing Techniques
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- Darbuka is a type of goblet drum commonly used in Middle Eastern music
- Consists of a goblet-shaped body made from ceramic, metal, or wood with a stretched over the top
- Skin tension is adjusted by tightening or loosening the tension rods or ropes around the rim, affecting the pitch and tone of the drum
- Played using a variety of hand techniques, including striking the center of the head with the fingers, palm, or heel of the hand ( stroke) and striking the edge of the head with the fingertips (tek stroke)
- Finger rolls are a common ornamentation technique, achieved by rapidly alternating the fingers on the drumhead to create a sustained, rolling sound
Darbuka in Middle Eastern Music
- Darbuka is an essential percussion instrument in many Middle Eastern musical genres, such as Arabic, Turkish, and Persian music
- Often plays a central role in providing the rhythmic foundation for ensembles and accompaniment for dancers
- Commonly used in traditional and contemporary settings, including weddings, festivals, and concerts
- Darbuka players must master a wide range of and techniques to effectively support the music and create engaging performances
Tambourine-Style Drums
Riq Construction and Playing Techniques
- Riq is a type of tambourine commonly used in Middle Eastern music
- Consists of a circular frame, typically made of wood, with pairs of small metal cymbals (jingles) attached to the frame
- Jingles are arranged in evenly spaced pairs around the frame, allowing for a bright, shimmering sound when the riq is struck or shaken
- Played using various hand techniques, including striking the head with the fingertips, palm, or knuckles, as well as shaking the frame to activate the jingles
- Ornamentations, such as rolls and trills, are achieved by rapidly alternating strikes on the head or shaking the frame in specific patterns
Riq in Middle Eastern Music
- Riq is a versatile percussion instrument used in many Middle Eastern musical genres, such as Arabic, Turkish, and Persian music
- Often plays a supportive role in ensembles, providing rhythmic accents and embellishments to complement the main rhythmic patterns
- Commonly used in traditional and contemporary settings, including religious ceremonies, folk music, and popular music
- Riq players must develop a strong sense of timing and coordination to effectively integrate their playing with other instruments and create a cohesive musical performance
Frame Drums
Frame Drum Construction and Playing Techniques
- Frame drums are a family of percussion instruments consisting of a circular frame with a skin head stretched over one side
- Skin tension is adjusted by tightening or loosening the tension rods or ropes around the frame, affecting the pitch and tone of the drum
- Played using various hand techniques, including striking the center of the head with the fingers, palm, or heel of the hand, as well as striking the edge of the head with the fingertips
- players must master a wide range of rhythmic patterns and techniques to create engaging and expressive performances
- Ornamentations, such as rolls, flams, and grace notes, are achieved by combining different striking techniques and varying the intensity and placement of the strikes
Frame Drums in Middle Eastern Music
- Frame drums are used in many Middle Eastern musical traditions, with each region and culture having its own distinct styles and techniques
- Common frame drums in Middle Eastern music include the bendir (North Africa), daf (Iran and Kurdistan), and tar (Egypt)
- Often play a central role in providing the rhythmic foundation for vocal and instrumental music, as well as accompanying dance performances
- Frame drum players must have a deep understanding of the rhythmic structures and patterns specific to each musical genre and cultural context
- In many traditions, frame drums are also used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes, such as Sufi rituals and religious celebrations
Key Terms to Review (17)
Belly dance music: Belly dance music is a genre that accompanies the traditional Middle Eastern dance known as belly dancing, characterized by its distinctive rhythms and melodic patterns. This music often features a combination of both melodic instruments and percussion, creating a vibrant sound that enhances the performance and expression of the dance. The use of specific rhythmic structures and instruments plays a crucial role in shaping the overall style and feel of belly dance music, making it integral to the performance techniques and cultural significance of the art form.
Dance accompaniment: Dance accompaniment refers to the music or rhythmic patterns that support and enhance the movements of dancers. In many Middle Eastern dance forms, this music is integral to the performance, often driving the energy and style of the dance while reflecting cultural significance through specific rhythms and instrumentation.
Darbuka: The darbuka is a goblet-shaped drum widely used in Middle Eastern music, known for its distinct, sharp tones and versatility across various musical styles. This percussion instrument is integral to both traditional and contemporary music in the region, influencing rhythms and playing techniques that are key to Middle Eastern musical expression.
Doum: Doum is a fundamental bass drum sound used in Middle Eastern music, particularly on percussion instruments like the darbuka and frame drums. It serves as the primary bass tone, providing a deep resonance that anchors rhythmic patterns in performances. The doum is crucial for creating a strong foundation in music, enhancing the overall texture and complexity of rhythmic compositions.
Egyptian Darbuka: The Egyptian darbuka is a traditional goblet-shaped drum widely used in Middle Eastern music, known for its distinctive resonant sound and versatile playing techniques. It plays a crucial role in various musical genres, often serving as the primary percussion instrument in ensembles and solo performances. Its popularity extends beyond Egypt, making it a symbol of Arabic music culture.
Frame Drum: A frame drum is a type of percussion instrument characterized by its circular frame and a single membrane stretched across one side. This versatile instrument is played with the hands or with sticks, and is often used in various musical traditions throughout the Middle East, contributing to both rhythmic and melodic elements in performances.
Hossam Ramzy: Hossam Ramzy is a renowned Egyptian percussionist and composer known for his innovative contributions to Middle Eastern music, particularly through the incorporation of traditional rhythms with contemporary styles. He has made significant strides in popularizing instruments like the darbuka and riq, showcasing their versatility in various musical genres, while also educating musicians about Middle Eastern performance techniques.
Iqa'at: Iqa'at refers to the rhythmic patterns used in Middle Eastern music, characterized by specific sequences of beats that create a framework for musical compositions. These rhythmic cycles are fundamental to the performance and structure of music, influencing how melodies and improvisations unfold across various styles and regional variations.
Maqam: Maqam is a system of melodic modes used in Middle Eastern music that serves as the foundation for composition and improvisation. Each maqam consists of specific intervals, characteristic phrases, and emotional qualities that guide musicians in their performances, connecting them deeply to the cultural and historical contexts of the region.
Rhythmic patterns: Rhythmic patterns are specific sequences of sounds and silences that create a structured flow in music, often formed by the interplay of various beats and accents. These patterns serve as the backbone of musical compositions, especially in percussion music, where they establish the timing and feel of a piece. In Middle Eastern music, rhythmic patterns are essential for defining the character of a performance, providing a framework for improvisation and expression.
Riq: The riq is a traditional Middle Eastern percussion instrument resembling a tambourine, characterized by its circular frame and jingles. It's commonly used in various musical genres, enhancing the rhythm and texture of performances while also playing a vital role in dance music and ensemble settings.
Simon Shaheen: Simon Shaheen is a renowned Palestinian-American musician and composer known for his virtuosic skills on the oud and his contributions to Middle Eastern music. He blends traditional Arabic music with modern styles, significantly influencing the global perception of this musical genre and promoting cross-cultural collaborations in the world music scene.
Skin Head: In the context of percussion instruments, a skin head refers to the membrane that is stretched over the frame of drums such as the darbuka, riq, and frame drums. This membrane, typically made from animal skin or synthetic materials, significantly influences the sound produced by the instrument, affecting tone, pitch, and resonance.
Slap: In the context of Middle Eastern music, a slap is a percussive technique used primarily on hand-played instruments like the darbuka and riq. This technique involves striking the drumhead with the fingers in a way that creates a sharp, staccato sound, contributing to the intricate rhythmic patterns typical of the region's music. The slap is essential for achieving the characteristic sounds and complex rhythms that define Middle Eastern musical performance.
Turkish Riq: The Turkish riq is a traditional frame drum characterized by its circular shape, shallow depth, and a distinctive design that often includes jingles or cymbals attached to the rim. This percussion instrument plays a vital role in Middle Eastern music, especially within Turkish folk and classical genres, providing rhythmic foundation and enhancing musical texture.
Usul: Usul refers to the complex rhythmic patterns used in Middle Eastern music, which serve as the foundation for musical composition and performance. These rhythmic cycles are integral to the overall structure and flow of music, allowing musicians to express creativity within a framework that is culturally significant.
Wooden Shell: A wooden shell refers to the hollow, curved body often found in certain percussion instruments, which helps amplify sound and contributes to the instrument's timbre. In percussion instruments like the darbuka, riq, and frame drums, the wooden shell is essential for producing the desired tonal qualities and resonance, making it a fundamental aspect of their construction and sound production.