There are varying rhythms that
comprise Maracatu de Baque Virado, each group has it's own views on
them - names, emphases, tempos, types of variations etc. Of course,
what they all have in common is the ability to draw the players and
listeners into another world where 'earth-shaking', 'soulful', 'heavy'
and 'stately' are the kind of words that have to be used when trying
to give a descripiton.
There is a much coined phrase that sums it up quite well - "Maracatu
é trovão!" / "Maracatu is thunder!"
A typical Maracatu will comprise of drummers and dancers; there are
usally four main instruments:
the Gonguê
-
this instrument comes from the Afrian Ngonge. It marks a set pattern that
is instantly recognisable and which the other drummers can listen out
for to stay in time.
Typically made of Iron or Steel and about 15cm long by 6 cm wide by 3
deep. It is held in one hand whilst being played/ hit with a wooden beater/
stick.
the Caixa -
also known as the 'Caixa de Guerra', this is basically a light
snare drum similar to that of a drum kit. It is often
secured round the waist with a strap, or sometimes worn hanging
from the shoulder. Patterns sometimes alter depending on what
beat the Alfaia is playing. The Caixa is used
to start many Maracatu songs (toadas).
the Abê -
this recent addition to Maracatu instrumentation, otherwise known as a Shekerê, rides on top
of the other drums, helping to mark time and expand the higher
end of the maracatu's sound. The miçangas
(beads) threaded around the cabaça (gourd) hit against it giving a distinctive
and loud 'shaker' sound. N.B. The Mineiro (or Ganzá)
is used by many groups and is considered the more traditional of the two; it consists of a large aluminium tube
filled with seeds, metal shot or something similar. It is usually
played by holding the tube at either end and shaking it - away from
and towards the body or left and right. It performs the same part in the overall
sound as the Abê.
the Alfaia -
aka - Bombo, Zabumba. The thunderous and unmistakeable Maracatu drum.
There are 3 variants, Marcante - the largest (e.g 22"-26").& deepest drum, it marks out the basic beat of the song. Meião - a medium sized drum (e.g. 19" - 23") which also plays the
basic beat, but is sometimes called on to vary. Repique - this drum is the smallest of the three (e.g. 17" - 21") and
it nearly always plays a Virado (swung triplets) rhythm
on top of the main beat.
There are various different beats or baques which the
Alfaia plays. Layering the main pattern with the variations of these beats
and the Repique's pattern at the fore gives the powerful, hypnotic mix
that is Maracatu.
These names and the parts played by the instruments are what we use, they may vary from group to group in Recife.
