Surdo

The Brazilian Surdo is a cylindrical drum and is among the largest and most important instruments of the Bateria de Samba. It provides the rhythmic basis of the piece and is therefore largely responsible for controlling the playing speed.

Construction

The common in Rio de Janeiro Surdo is about 60 cm high and has a diameter of between 16 "and 24", even larger variations with diameters are separated up to 29 used " The original sound body is made of wood, alternatively be galvanized steel or. - not least due to the lower weight - used aluminum High-quality aluminum Surdos consist of a seamless drawn boiler which is more resistant and often (but not necessarily ) better sound reproduction offers as a boiler with seam flap and resonance head are normally settled on, each with a ring.. mounted boiler and clamped with 8 to 12 tension rods. Commonly used are goat and plastic heads.

The variants include the Surdos used in Salvador de Bahia. They are generally less high ( 40 to 50 cm), hence easier and have a shorter reverberation.

As a variant of the normal batter head the double- Korinofelle be used. Here, the batter is coated with another layer, resulting in a fuller, deep heavy sound.

The Repinique, another important instrument of the Bateria is sometimes called because of similar shape and style of play as a very high Surdo, however, takes a different role within the Bateria, and is therefore usually regarded as a separate instrument. It is not the subject of this article.

Variants

Surdo played in the bateria de samba in either two or three pitches.

Three pitches

Surdos are mainly used in three pitches. A distinction is made Primeiro, Segundo - as a functional unit - and Terceiro.

Primeiro ( marcacao ): The Primeiro is the lowest pitched instrument of the Bateria, and is primarily used to play along with the Segundo pulse (beat ), she often plays on the even beats. Are predominantly used instruments with a circumference of 24 "and larger.

Segundo ( Resposta, Respondor ): The higher pitched Segundo corresponds to the Primeiro playing the pulse and plays in Samba de Enredo and other styles often the odd beats. Commonly used instruments with a circumference of 20 "and 22".

Terceiro ( Cortador ): The smallest Surdo, the Terceiro, has the highest relative head tension of Surdos. Due to the relatively low reverberation of the instrument and amplified by the head tension rebound play is faster, more complex beat pattern possible. While Primeiro and Segundo are responsible for the pulse, plays the Terceiro on this basis, the actual Surdo pattern that complements the rhythmic pulse to the basic framework of the Samba and usually determines the character of the piece considerably.

Frequently Surdos be used with a diameter between 16 "and 18 " as Terceiro.

Two pitches

Since both Primeiro and Segundo difficult by reverberation and relatively low head tension playing complex rhythms, the use of only two votes Surdo is rare and mainly found in amateur groups outside of Brazil. Here, the pattern is either corresponding played in two tones of voice or in a tone of voice, while the other their true role is justified as a pulse generator.

Play

Primeiro and Segundo be played as a pulse generator usually with a mallet and hand. The hand is primarily used in these pitches to cushion the skin during the impact of each corresponding Surdo. The Terceiro is also frequently played with sticks and hands, if and when is attenuated, is fundamentally dependent on the particular pattern. In small instrumental ensemble, the hand is used for the actual game, in addition to Schlegel, which can be used for complex, syncopated rhythms. Can also be used as the ability to change the pitch, so increases the sound of the Surdo, if the batter is sufficiently impressed with his free hand.

In different styles, especially in Samba Reggae and the mixed form Samba Duro, the Terceiro can also be played with two mallets simultaneously. A damping after impact is - where necessary - carried out in which a mallet is dropped vertically on the batter head.

Another variation of the game, which applies even when Surdos, the Rimclick, a blow to the ring that attaches the batter head.

The Surdo is usually worn with the shoulder or hip belts, often with open hook, in which the instruments must be mounted only. The use of stands is rare and usually only plays a role in several Surdos be played simultaneously by a single percussionist or the weight is too high up.