Bongo drum
 A pair of bongos |
|
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Bongos |
| Classification | percussion instrument |
| Playing range | |
| A2 – G4 | |
| Related instruments | |
| Conga drum | |
Bongos (Spanish: bongó) are an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of single-headed, open-ended drums attached to each other. The drums are of different size: the larger drum is called in Spanish the hembra (female) and the smaller the macho (male). They are membranophones, or instruments that create sound by a vibration against a stretched membrane.[1]
Contents |
[edit] History
The bongos originated in the folkloric music known as changüí, in the eastern region of Cuba known as the "Oriente," during the nineteenth century. The bongos used in changüí are known as bongó el monte, are larger and tuned lower than their modern counterparts, have tack-heads instead of tunable hardware, and play in a manner similar to rumba quinto and other folkloric lead drum parts.[2] Hear bongó el monte: "Ritmo changüí" (Grupo Exploracion). Bongos are also used in the related Cuban musical genre known as son.
The bongos came to western Cuba at the turn of the twentieth century, when the son migrated to the capital city of Havana. With the advent of the son montuno in the late 1930s, bongo players ('bongoceros') began playing a large hand-held cowbell (bongo bell) during the chorus (montuno) section of songs.
[edit] Technique
Bongo drums produce relatively high-pitched sounds compared to conga drums, and should be held behind the knees with the larger drum on the right when right-handed. It is most often played by hand and is especially associated in Cuban music with a steady pattern or ostinato of eighth-notes known as the martillo or "hammer".[3] [See: "The Martillo Pattern" (Manny Oquendo) and "Bongo Riffs" (Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez).] They are traditionally played by striking the edge of the drumheads with the fingers and palms. The glissando used with bongó de monte, is done by rubbing the third finger, supported by the thumb, across the head of the drum. The finger is sometimes moistened with saliva, or sweat before rubbing it across the head.[4] When used in art music compositions they are usually struck with drum sticks. These drums can also be played on a stand, as is the case with concert orchestras and bands.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.bongomania.com/eng/articles/thebasics1.html
- ^ Lapidus, Ben (2008). Origins of Cuban Music and Dance; Changüí p. 21-23. Lanham, MA: Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0-8108-6204-3
- ^ "The Martillo Pattern" (Manny Oquendo). Unlocking Clave. Web. Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=198532850185375
- ^ Salloum, Trevor. The Bongo Book Mel Bay.
