Pronounced ("come-pa-nah"), also referred to as a cencerro, bells provide
the key rhythmic pattern for much of Afro-Cuban music. Bells are like muted drums
that are made of metals, and are found all over the world. Cultures have produced
some form of bell, gong or sounding metal wherever metal technology has taken
root. The cowbell is held in one hand with the mouth of the bell pointing away
from you and the index finger up against the mouth of the bell. The striking hand
holds a thick wooden stick and hits the bell on the rim of the mouth as well as
near the closed end of the bell. The "campana" is traditionally played by the
timbalero (timbale player) and bongosero (bongo player).
The WORLD BEATS video features live,
costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett
puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE
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