I have known the naqara for a long time. I heard it when I went to concerts by music groups that specialized in classical Tunisian music.
I think that the internal feeling of the rhythm is an essential element that helped me discover and appreciate new music. That is why I wanted to present a traditional percussion instrument that has been played for almost a century in Tunisia but that now risks becoming obsolete.
Naqara is the word given to a musical instrument of the membranophone family. The naqara are used to play urban classical or liturgical music. This instrument is made of two small 20-cm diameter drums. The bottom of each drum is a clay bowl covered entirely with leather.
A goat skin head is stretched horizontally on each bowl and is held down by strong glue and lacing. naqara are played with two identical wooden cloth-covered beaters.
Playing the naqara:
Each stick is held by the uncovered end between the thumb and index finger. The drum beats are made by a movement of each hand supported by small movements of the middle finger.
The ring finger and little finger do not move but are folded against th Read More
I think that the internal feeling of the rhythm is an essential element that helped me discover and appreciate new music. That is why I wanted to present a traditional percussion instrument that has been played for almost a century in Tunisia but that now risks becoming obsolete.
Naqara is the word given to a musical instrument of the membranophone family. The naqara are used to play urban classical or liturgical music. This instrument is made of two small 20-cm diameter drums. The bottom of each drum is a clay bowl covered entirely with leather.
A goat skin head is stretched horizontally on each bowl and is held down by strong glue and lacing. naqara are played with two identical wooden cloth-covered beaters.
Playing the naqara:
Each stick is held by the uncovered end between the thumb and index finger. The drum beats are made by a movement of each hand supported by small movements of the middle finger.
The ring finger and little finger do not move but are folded against th Read More
I have known the naqara for a long time. I heard it when I went to concerts by music groups that specialized in classical Tunisian music.
I think that the internal feeling of the rhythm is an essential element that helped me discover and appreciate new music. That is why I wanted to present a traditional percussion instrument that has been played for almost a century in Tunisia but that now risks becoming obsolete.
Naqara is the word given to a musical instrument of the membranophone family. The naqara are used to play urban classical or liturgical music. This instrument is made of two small 20-cm diameter drums. The bottom of each drum is a clay bowl covered entirely with leather.
A goat skin head is stretched horizontally on each bowl and is held down by strong glue and lacing. naqara are played with two identical wooden cloth-covered beaters.
Playing the naqara:
Each stick is held by the uncovered end between the thumb and index finger. The drum beats are made by a movement of each hand supported by small movements of the middle finger.
The ring finger and little finger do not move but are folded against the palm of the hand. The small drum is placed to the right and produces heavy dry beats that are called dom. The left drum creates dry but lighter sounds that are called tac. The tac needs a more tightly stretched membrane which is why the left membrane is generally heated while the other is wiped with a damp sponge.
Because each drum gives a different tone, one is called shâyib (old) and the other shbâb (young).
In musical groups, the naqara play the basic rhythmic structure rather than provide ornaments or offbeats.
I think that the internal feeling of the rhythm is an essential element that helped me discover and appreciate new music. That is why I wanted to present a traditional percussion instrument that has been played for almost a century in Tunisia but that now risks becoming obsolete.
Naqara is the word given to a musical instrument of the membranophone family. The naqara are used to play urban classical or liturgical music. This instrument is made of two small 20-cm diameter drums. The bottom of each drum is a clay bowl covered entirely with leather.
A goat skin head is stretched horizontally on each bowl and is held down by strong glue and lacing. naqara are played with two identical wooden cloth-covered beaters.
Playing the naqara:
Each stick is held by the uncovered end between the thumb and index finger. The drum beats are made by a movement of each hand supported by small movements of the middle finger.
The ring finger and little finger do not move but are folded against the palm of the hand. The small drum is placed to the right and produces heavy dry beats that are called dom. The left drum creates dry but lighter sounds that are called tac. The tac needs a more tightly stretched membrane which is why the left membrane is generally heated while the other is wiped with a damp sponge.
Because each drum gives a different tone, one is called shâyib (old) and the other shbâb (young).
In musical groups, the naqara play the basic rhythmic structure rather than provide ornaments or offbeats.
Snoussi, Manoubi. Initiations à la musique tunisienne [Introduction to the Music of Tunisia].
© 1999, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
This instrument belongs to the membranophone family. It is used in urban classical or liturgical music. It is made of two small 20 cm diameter drums covered in two goat skin membranes stretched over two round burgundy-coloured pottery bowls.
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Arab and Mediterranean Center, Tunisia
Pottery, goatskin, wood
Diam : 20 cm
© 1999, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
Naqara
Canadian Heritage Information Network
The Arab and Mediterranean Center Tunisia
© 1999, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
This instrument belongs to the membranophone family. It is used in urban classical or liturgical music. It is made of two small 20 cm diameter drums covered in two goat skin membranes stretched over two round burgundy-coloured pottery bowls. This type of naqara is generally found in the larger cities of northern and central Tunisia. They are hit with two identical cloth-covered wooden beaters. This instrument belongs to the Baron Erlanger collection. It was probably made towards the end of the 19th century.
This instrument belongs to the membranophone family. It is used in urban classical or liturgical music. It is made of two small 20 cm diameter drums covered in two goat skin membranes stretched over two round burgundy-coloured pottery bowls. This type of naqara is generally found in the larger cities of northern and central Tunisia. They are hit with two identical cloth-covered wooden beaters. This instrument belongs to the Baron Erlanger collection. It was probably made towards the end of the 19th century.
© 1999, CHIN. All Rights Reserved.
Learning Objectives
The learner will:
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Understand that music is an expression all cultures
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Understand that the relationship between personal feelings and music transcends borders and cultures
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Develop respect for music from a variety of cultural contexts
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Examine traditional music practices in selected Francophone countries
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Demonstrate geographical awareness by identifying Francophone countries
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Be aware of the musical contributions of various cultural groups in their own community
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Understand that all world music can be organized within a standard classification system
