The "tablah", sometimes referred to as a "dumbek" or "darabuka", is the lead
percussion instrument in traditional Egyptian Arabic music. Goblature drums, and
similar instruments, are also used in many music traditions. With a history that
extends back to antiquity, this drum is found in a vast geographical domain stretching
from Morocco in western North Africa, eastward through Egypt, Mesopotamia/Assyria
and several Mediterranean countries. The shell is usually made out of ceramic,
but there are many different versions, such as this modern one shown. Seen here
is a pre-fabricated head which is unaffected by changes in humidity, unlike natural
skin. Commonly covered with goatskin, fish skin is preferred because of the sound
quality it produces. Rhythms are organized in metric modes or patterns called
iqa'at, and these rhythms are then carefully combined with the melodic system,
maqamat.
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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