Berimbau Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The Berimbau is a single-string percussion instrument from Brazil. The Berimbau's origins are shrouded in mystery (some actually say the Berimbau came from Africa, or at least has African influence), but the Berimbau was eventually incorporated into the practice of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira, where it commands how the Capoeiristas move in the Roda. The instrument is known for being the subject matter of a popular song by Brazilian guitarist Baden Powell, with lyrics by Vinícius de Moraes.The Berimbau consists of a wooden bow ("verga" - traditionally made from "biriba" wood, which grows in Brazil), about 5 feet long, with a metal string ("arame" - pulled from the inside of an automobile tire) tightly strung and secured from one end of the verga to the other. An opened and hollowed-out gourd ("cabaça") is attached to the lower portion of the Verga, secured by a loop of tough string. This acts as an amplifier and resonator. To play the berimbau, one holds the berimbau in one hand, wrapping the two middle fingers around the verga, and placing the little finger under the cabaça's string loop, and balancing the weight there. A small stone or coin ("dobrão") is held between the index and thumb of the same hand that holds the Berimbau. The cabaça is rested against the abdomen. In the other hand, one holds a stick ("baqueta" - usually wooden. VERY RARELY made of metal, as a metal baqueta produces a bad tone on the Berimbau) and a rattle ( " caxixi " ). One strikes the arame with the baqueta to produce the sound. The caxixi accompanies the baqueta. The dobrão is moved back and forth from the arame to change the tone of the Berimbau. The sound can also be altered by moving the cabaça back and forth from the abdomen.
Parts and Accesories of the Berimbau: Verga: Wooden Bow that makes up the main body of the Berimbau. Arame: Metal string. Cabaça: Opened and hollowed out goured secured to the lower portion of the Berimbau, used to amplify and resonate the sound. Dobrão: Small stone or coin pressed against the arame to change the tone of the Berimbau. Baqueta: Small stick struck against the arame to produce the sound. Caxixi: Small rattle that accompanies the Baqueta in the same hand as the Baqueta.
There are three types of Berimbau.
Gunga: Largest cabaça, lowest tone. Médio: Medium cabaça, medium tone. Viola: Smallest cabaça, highest tone
In Capoeira, the three Berimbaus are played together, and each play a different role. The Gunga plays the bass line, never improvising its rhythm (in Capoeira, it takes much patience to play Gunga). The Médio plays the main rhythm, and its role can be likened to a rhythm guitar in a rock band. In the "Angola" style of Capoeira, the Médio sometimes plays the reverse of the Gunga. The Viola plays the variations and improvisations of the main rhythm, and its role can be likened to the role of a solo guitar in a rock band. A well played and well tuned assembly of Berimbaus sounds quite beautiful and moving.
There are countless different rhythms or "toques" played on the Berimbau. Here are just a few used in Capoeira, today:
Toque de Angola: Slow rhythm played to command a slow, low-to-the-ground and very sneaky Capoeira game.
Toque de São Bento Pequeno: Medium rhythm, played to command a medium paced Capoeira game, with emphasis on movement.
Toque de São Bento Grande: A very fast rhythm, played to command a fast, athletic and agressive game, with some acrobatics.
Toque de Iúna: A medium paced rhythm. When played, only Capoeira graduates (Professor, Contra-Mestre, Mestre, etc.) may play in the Roda. The game has emphasis on esthetics (acrobatics and exhibitionism).
Toque de Cavalaria: In the past, used to warn Capoeiristas of the approach of police. Now used for a much faster game, without placing your hands on the ground.
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