Also called "dombak" or "zarb", it is a chalice-shaped drum traditionally
made from a hollowed out mulberry or walnut trunk, covered with skin on one end,
of usually lamb or goat, and used in classical Iranian music. Zarb is an Arabic
word meaning strike or beat, and the Persians have given it the connotation of
rhythm or time. It is more specifically known as a "tombak" because of the two
different ways of striking it, designated by the syllables "tom" and "bak". The
instrument lies on your lap and off to one side while you play with your hands
and fingertips. Melodic effects are possible by applying pressure at different
points of the membrane giving a range of tones extending over an octave. In the
hands of a master player it has an astonishing variety of highly expressive musical
abilities.
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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