Punjabi Bhangra

Cards (34)

  • What instrument produces the basic rhythms of Bhangra?
    DHOL
  • What two sounds does the DHOL produce?
    HIGH and LOW
  • What rhythmic techniques can be created by combining rhythms from the DHOL's drum heads?
    POLYRHYTHMS, CROSS-RHYTHMS, SYNCOPATION
  • What is the CHAAL rhythm's time signature?
    4/4 metre
  • How many notes are in the repeated pattern of the CHAAL rhythm?
    8-note pattern
  • How is the CHAAL rhythm typically played?
    It is 'swung' with a TRIPLET-feel
  • What vocal shout is often added to the CHAAL rhythm?
    'Hoi'
  • On which beats are the vocal shouts of 'Hoi' typically added?
    Second and fourth beats
  • Which instruments add decorative rhythms to Bhangra music?
    DHOLAK and/or TABLA
  • What does the TUMBI often play in Bhangra music?
    Repeated RIFFS or OSTINATOS
  • What type of vocalists are prominent in Bhangra singing?
    HIGH-PITCH MALE VOCALISTS
  • What is the typical range of notes used in Bhangra melodies?
    SMALL RANGE OF NOTES
  • What do backing singers often shout during Bhangra songs?
    'Hoi'
  • How do lead vocalists typically sing phrases in Bhangra?
    They sing SHORT PHRASES in Punjabi
  • What vocal technique is commonly used by Bhangra singers?
    BENDING NOTES and MICROTONAL INTERVALS
  • What interval is frequently used in Bhangra vocal melodies?
    MINOR THIRD
  • How does the pitch of the vocal melody typically change at the end of a phrase?
    It falls in pitch
  • What is the typical harmony structure in Bhangra music?
    Simple, based on one or two REPEATED CHORDS
  • What texture characterizes Bhangra music?
    HOMOPHONIC (MELODY AND ACCOMPANIMENT)
  • What is the typical tempo range for Bhangra music?
    140-195 bpm
  • How would you describe the dynamics of Bhangra music?
    Consistently LOUD with dramatic expression
  • On which beat are strong accents typically placed in Bhangra music?
    1st beat of the bar
  • What is the form and structure of Bhangra music similar to?
    • Similar to Western Popular Music
    • Follows POPULAR SONG FORM
    • Includes VERSES and a repeated CHORUS
    • Often has an introduction and instrumental sections
  • What does the term Bhangra originally refer to?
    A type of Punjabi dancing
  • When did Bhangra originally take place?
    Around harvest time
  • Where else did Bhangra become popular besides harvest time?
    Weddings and New Year parties
  • What modern context is Bhangra now associated with?
    Soundtrack of BOLLYWOOD cinema
  • What did working farmers do to the sound of the DHOL?
    They sang songs
  • What type of dance accompanied the rhythm sung by farmers?
    Male synchronised dance
  • How has modern technology impacted traditional Bhangra music?
    Incorporates REMIXES, SAMPLING, DJ effects
  • What has Bhangra evolved into with modern technology?
    CLUB DANCE GENRE
  • What are some typical instruments used in Bhangra music?
    DHOL, DHOLAK, TABLA, TUMBI
  • What is the role of MALE SINGERS in Bhangra music?
    They provide vocal melodies
  • What are the typical timbres and sonorities in Bhangra music?
    • DHOL
    • DHOLAK
    • TABLA
    • TUMBI
    • SARANGI
    • ALGHOZA
    • MALE SINGERS