If Samba music comes up in your exam you might get asked to list typical features of this style of music  If you get this question, the following features are ideal answers.  

TOP TIP: you will not have to explain these features in your exam.  Single worded answers are fine for this type of question.

TOP TIP: if you are asked to list features of a style of music, there is usually a maximum of two marks for just identifying instruments.  It wont say this on the exam paper but it usually says it in the mark scheme, so you need to list musical features not just instrument names.

Polyrhythm

Samba music consists of lots of different rhythms being performed at the same time.  This is called a Polyrhythm (poly = many).  Quite often, these individual rhythms do no sound complicated but when they are performed together, the music sounds very hectic with lots happening all at the same time.

We looked at Polyrhythms on the African Drumming page.  Go back to that page for more information about Polyrhythms.

TOP TIP: If you are asked about the Texture of Samba Music, you should comment on it being Polyrhythmic.

Son Clave

This is a VERY important rhythm in Samba music.  It is performed using the Claves (see below).  Click here to hear an example of the Son Clave rhythm (just the first few minutes of the video).

Call and Response

Samba music performances are often broken up with sections of Call and Response.  The leader of the ensemble will play a rhythm (the call) and the ensemble will respond by either copying the same rhythm or playing a different rhythm.  This is normally lead by the Lead Drummer.

Cyclic Patterns

This means the same rhythms are repeated over and over.

Either 2 or 4 Beats Per Bar

The time signature will either be 2/4 or 4/4.  The mark scheme will usually give a mark for either of these answers.

Led by a Lead Drummer

This is similar to African Drumming - one drummer will often lead the ensemble.  The lead drummer will play the Repinique (see below).  They will also use a whistle to signal to the ensemble.

Structure

There is no set structure!  The performance is led by the Lead Drummer.  These are a few sections you might hear within a piece of Samba music...

• All instruments playing together, repeating rhythmic patterns over and over (Ostinato).

• All instruments playing the same rhythm at the same time.

• Solo sections (either the Repinique or other instruments).

• Call and response sections.

There are LOTS of different percussion instruments used in Samba Music.  If you are asked to idenitfy some of the instruments used within an extract of Samba music, you will get a mark for listing the instruments below.

TOP TIP: you will not have to explain what these instruments look like or how they are played.  If you are asked to identify instruments used in an extract, single worded answers are perfectly acceptable for this type of question.  

Surdo

This is a large drum, played with a soft beater.  The Surdo provides the pulse, which helps the other performers stay in time.  There are normally three Surdo's in an ensemble, tuned low, medium and high.  Click here to see and hear a Surdo being played.

Caixa (Snare Drum)

The Caixa is VERY similar to a snare drum on a drum kit.  It is has wires on the bottom skin of the drum, which gives the drum a really sharp and raspy sound.  These are used to provide a constant rhythm within a Samba performance.  Click here (0:34) to see and hear a Caixa drum being played.

Repinique

The Repinique is used by the Lead Drummer.  It is smaller drum and tuned to a high pitch so it cuts through the ensemble.  It can be played with the hand and a stick.  Click here to see and hear a Repinique being played.

Agogo Bell

This is the same instrument used in African Drumming.  It is a similar instrument to a Cow Bell, but it has two separate bells (one low pitch and one low pitch).  So technically, it is like two different cow bells stuck together!  Click here to see and hear an Agogo Bell being played.

Brass and Vocals (Sometimes)

Sometimes Brass instruments and/or vocals will be added to a performance to provide a basic melody.  These melodies are usually quite simplistic, with short repeated phrases.  As with most popular styles of music, the melodies used in Samba music will most likely have a narrow range of notes.

You can listen to more examples of Samba Music by pressing play on the YouTube videos.  Can you hear any of the features listed above?