The jogo-de-capoeira (play of capoeira) takes place in a ritual activity and a circular area, both called roda (wheel, circle, social group) pronounced ho-da. The roda is a capoeira party in which capoeiristas gather and play capoeira. At the top of the circle is a bateria, which is an ensemble of musicians and singers. Music is not incidental to capoeira; it is in fact, one of the most important elements in the art. Music controls the speed of the games and is used to inspire the players to more intense levels of interaction and is also used to calm them down when the game gets too heated. The berimbau is the most important musical instrument for capoeira. It is a musical bow with one string and attached to it, is a gourd that acts as a resonator box. The berimbau is considered “the soul of capoeira”.
THE BERIMBAU
The berimbau has existed for over 4000 years. It has only 1 cord, that holds the wood (verga), a calabash (cabaça), a shaker (caxixi), a little rod (vaqueta), and a coin/washer(dobrão). It is believed to have originated in Egypt or southern India. Its original use is unknown, it is thought to have been used by beggars to beg for money, and by vendors to announce their wares. It is not known exactly how it was introduced exactly how it was introduced into Capoeira. In Capoeira rodas, 3 beribaus are used: Gunga, Médio and Viola.
The Gunga acts as the bass,
the Médio follows
and the viola sets the
repique (counter-tune).
THE AGOGO
A percussion instrument of african origin, that means “bell” in the nagô language. Made of 2 steel cones and played will a steel rod, it is particularly used in Candoblé rituals, samba schools, maracatu’s, and folk groups.
THE ATABAQUE
It is the primary drum, and is made with hide and a cone shaped wooden cylinder.The atabaque is of arab origin. The atabaque arrived in Brazil through the portuguese, to be used in
religious processions. There are 3 types: Rum = Bass, Rumpi = medium, Lê = sharp.
THE PANDEIRO
A percussion instrument, made
of a wooden arch, adjoining
symbols, and covered with a
hide (preferably goat).
Thought to be of Indian or Arabic origin.
It is also one of the oldest instruments
known to man.
