Rhythmic and Melodic Elements in Negro Music of Venezuela

Extract

The study of the different rhythms that Venezuelan negroes beat on their drums is at present in an analytical and classificatory phase. The Folklore Institute of the Education Department of Caracas possesses a comprehensive record of these rhythms, gradually built up from 1940 to the present. It is unlikely that types of rhythms other than those recorded here remain to be found in Venezuela.

The principal toques (rhythmic sounds from a drum), and songs accompanied by drums (known as golpes in most places where they have been found), have different distinguishing popular names. In the central zone, Barlovento, towards Eastern Venezuela, there are the golpes of the so-called “round drum,” and of the “big drum” or tambor mina. Further west, in the coastal zone of the Federal District, in the State of Aragua, and in parts of Carabobo, there are other golpes, the names of which derive from the lyrics, for example: El Alabado (The Sainted One); El Macizón; María Estaba Lavando (Mary Was Washing), etc. There is also another type of golpe, used only during religious processions, namely the sangueo, played in the central states of Aragua, Carabobo and Yaracuy.