Project 2: Duets

PROJECT 2.1

In my first piece I chose to use the Snare Drum and the Bass Drum.  Having used the snare in my last project, I wanted to further explore the military style.  The inspiration from this piece came from the idea of a drill sergeant and his platoon.  A theme of call and repeat runs throughout this piece with the bass drum setting the rhythm and the snare following at twice the tempo. 

My research and Project 2.1 can be found below:

My research of the Bass Drum

The bass drum is a large low-pitched cylindrical instrument, usually found with a head at both openings.  The bass drum is used widely in a variety of genres including Orchestral, Rock, Pop, Jazz and World Music.

The History of the Bass Drum

The earliest know example of an instrument resembling the bass drum was the Turkish instrument called the Davul.   The Davul was often smaller than today’s bass drum, and was most likely made of hard wood and goatskin.  Like many percussion instruments, it is believed that the Davul was used heavily by the Turkish Janissary band and was played using two different sizes sticks to produce different sounds.

The Bass Drum in Military Music

The bass drum is an essential element of the marching band and will often be used to give orders and control the troops.  The material of the stick, and the way in which the stick is used, is a very important part of the military band.

The Bass Drum in Classical Music

Although used sparingly, the bass drum has made an appearance in classical music for many years.   Within a piece, in addition to being a key instrument for timing, the bass drum is often used for rolls, to provide colour, drama to the piece or to incorporate the military feel.  The bass drum has also been used with a variety of stick combinations to create the mood of thunder or heavy rain. 

It is believed that Franz Liszt was the first composer to use bass drums in composition during the 18^th century and it has been commonplace in compositions ever since. 

The Bass Drum in Modern Music

Today the bass drum is used in most musical genres.  It forms the central part of the drum kit, often being played with a pedal, and is still heavily used in military music.    It remains a major part of the western orchestra and is used across the world in many different cultures.

Reflections on the Bass Drum

The bass drum seems to be a very popular choice across all genres, probably due to its versatility.

Many musicians have experimented with the use of different objects and sticks (including tuning forks) to produce an entirely different and fresh sound. 

The low tone on the instrument provides the perfect ‘time keeper’ as it is clearly audible in any piece, but does not detract from the melodies and harmonies.  

PROJECT 2.2

In this composition I chose to use the Cabasa and the Claves to give the piece a tribal, jungle feel.  Throughout this piece, I have used a very simple rhythm which is passed back and forth between each instrument.  

My composition and instrument research can be found below:

My research of the Cabasa

The cabasa is a percussion instrument made of wooden or plastic and metal with a number of loops of steel balls which produce an interesting noise when shaken or scraped.

The History of the Cabasa

Martin Cohen developed the cabasa in the 1960’s from an African instrument called the shakere.  The shakere is an instrument of West Africa made of a dried gourd, with a string of beads fixed about the shells to produce a rattling sound.  It was believed that this instrument was, and remains to be, used in Africa’s folk and popular music.   When the shakere was developed into the cabasa, it began to play a large part in Latin American music, especially in the Bossa Nova.

The Cabasa in Modern Music

Today, the cabasa is still a widely used instrument in Latin American music and in pieces requiring a African or Latin American feel.    The cabasa is often used in Music Therapy for children and adults with a variety of impairments as it requires minimal motor function to produce a variety of sounds.  

My research of the Claves

The claves are a percussion instrument made of two short sticks which, when struck together, produce a tone.  Although one of the most basic percussion instruments, there are many different ways in which the claves can be played making it an extremely versatile instrument. 

The History of the Claves

Despite this simplistic instrument appearing in many different cultures, the claves are mainly attributed to the music of Cuba.  The son claves and rhythm claves are an essential part of Latin American music and are used heavily in the Mambo and Salsa. 

It is thought that the claves originated from African slaves bought to Latin American.  It is said that the slaves used wooden pegs found in the shipyards in Havana to form the early claves.

The Modern Claves

Today, claves are often made from wood, fibreglass or plastic and are used in a range of musical styles and genres.  It remains a large part of African and Latin American music, but often makes an appearance in the Rock, Pop and Jazz genres.  

Another common use of the claves is in schools.  Due to the instrument’s simplistic nature, it is often used in Primary and Secondary schools as an introduction to rhythm.  

PROJECT 2.3

I chose to use the triangle and the bass drum as these instruments, although both in the percussion family, give complete different tones and are very different in style.  Throughout this piece this bass drum keeps the beat whilst the triangle displays it's rhythmic abilities.  I found dynamics to be important during this piece to ensure that the Triangle didn't get lost behind the strong, military beat.  

My project can be found below and instrument research across past posts:

PROJECT 2.4

In my final piece in this project, I have used the Bongos and Claves.  I wanted to explore the middle eastern feel of the bongos in contrast with the claves, which to me give me the sense of jungles and rainforests.  

Below is my instrument research and project 2.4:

 My research of the Bongos

The bongos are a membranophone made from two different sized drums, bound together and covered with a head.  The larger of the drums is called the ‘hembra’ and the smaller is known as the ‘macho’. Bongos are played by striking the hand or sticks against the drumhead to create a variety of tones. 

The History of the Bongos

The bongos are an Afro-Cuban instrument originating from eastern Cuba in the 19^th Century.  They played a large part in genres of Cuban music called ‘Changui’ and ‘Son’ when the instrument migrated to western Cuba at the turn of the 20^th Century.

The craft bongo making varies from region to region.  In Morocco and Egypt the instrument was usually constructed using ceramic and goat skins, whilst the South American bongos are typically made from wood.

The Bongos in Modern Music

The bongos are an extremely versatile instrument that has featured in many genres including Afro-Caribbean, Pop, Rock and Jazz.  In the 1940’s the instrument was further developed by adding metallic tuning lugs to make it easier for the player to ‘tune’ the instrument. 

Like the claves, the bongos are often seen in schools, as their simple nature provides a great way for children to develop their knowledge of rhythm.